by Jordan Foley, Student Public Relations Writer
When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed from cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals two years ago, the incident shocked the nation. It also heightened awareness of emergency medical conditions in athletics.
Inspired by the lack of research on emergency action planning (EAP) for collegiate athletes, Kyler Conn — a second-year Master of Athletic Training (MAT) student at Cedarville University from Washington Court House, Ohio — launched a study for his master’s thesis. He was moved to act after watching Hamlin’s medical emergency unfold live on television.
Conn’s research aims to examine how EAPs are currently implemented and to promote best practices for emergency preparedness in collegiate athletic programs nationwide.
His thesis, titled “Emergency Action Planning (EAP) in Collegiate Athletics: An Evaluation of the Current Adoption of Best Practice Recommendations,”earned him the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Foundation’s top national writing award. He also received the Pinky Newell Living Memorial Professional Scholarship, sponsored by the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association.
“While catastrophic injuries and illnesses do not happen often, athletic trainers and other sports medicine professionals must be prepared to deliver efficient and effective care when emergencies arise,” said Conn. “EAPs are the foundation that allow for optimal emergency responses.”
Conn will present his findings at the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Annual Meeting and Symposium, scheduled for May 15-16. The event brings together athletic trainers from across the state to network and share insights.
Building on his recent success, Conn secured a 2025 summer internship with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts — a prestigious opportunity that brings him closer to his goal of working in the NFL or NBA. He is also set to intern with Michigan State University’s tennis team in 2025, following a 2024 internship with Baylor University football.
Conn credits Cedarville's MAT program with providing both opportunities to strengthen his skills and mentorship that has challenged him academically and personally.
“Kyler is a member of a strong graduate cohort, yet he has distinguished himself,” said Dr. Ken Blood, director of the MAT program. “Cedarville attracts exceptional students and provides them with the platform to excel. Kyler's clinical placements, research accomplishments and professional opportunities are made possible by his humble efforts and the program that fosters that type of success.”
Cedarville University’s MAT program combines rigorous classroom instruction with real-world, hands-on learning, all grounded in a Christian worldview. The program prepares students to serve others with both competence and compassion.
As Conn continues his journey in athletic training, both at the collegiate and professional levels, his work reflects not only his expertise and dedication but also his passion for serving others and honoring Christ through research and care.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
