Aiken, SC, August 30, 2025
News Summary
The Aiken County School Board has approved nearly $300,000 to hire three full-time athletic trainers for Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley High Schools. This funding aims to enhance safety for student athletes by providing consistent health support. Silver Bluff High School will particularly benefit from permanent trainers, addressing past challenges with temporary coverage. The initiative reflects a commitment to prioritizing athlete wellness and improving overall sports management within the district.
Aiken, SC – The Aiken County School Board has allocated nearly $300,000 to hire three full-time athletic trainers at Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley High Schools. This significant funding approval comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the safety of student athletes across the district.
Athletic trainers are crucial in maintaining the health and wellness of athletes by providing preventative care and managing injuries. The decision to hire full-time trainers is particularly important for Silver Bluff High School, where securing consistent coverage has been a challenge. The school has historically lacked a permanent athletic trainer, relying on temporary coverage through online platforms. Phillip Strother, the athletic director at Silver Bluff, expressed that having permanent staff will significantly relieve stress regarding trainer availability and improve the overall safety for student athletes.
Dr. Tim Yarborough, who oversees operations and student services for the district, has underscored the necessity of having full-time trainers on staff. According to district plans, the newly appointed trainers will cater to all sports teams within their respective schools. This full-time commitment will help establish better relationships between trainers, students, coaches, and staff members, leading to improved overall care.
Since the addition of new artificial turf fields at both Aiken and Silver Bluff High Schools, there has been an increased emphasis on providing optimal care and facilities for student athletes. The school district is currently accepting applications for these athletic trainer positions, aiming for hires that may complete by the end of the upcoming football season. The openings are intended to accommodate various candidates, including recent graduates and seasoned professionals, provided they meet the established qualifications.
In addition to these three full-time positions, other high schools in the district operate with athletic trainers on one-year contracts. The board has plans to explore the possibility of expanding full-time trainer positions to additional high schools starting from the 2026-2027 school year.
The plan is indicative of a shift in how the district views the need for dedicated health professionals in supporting student athletes. Currently, the district has budgeted $80,000 per school for contracted trainer services. However, establishing full-time positions is anticipated to cost approximately $100,000 each. Due to challenges in securing qualified professionals and competition from neighboring districts, the board recognizes the importance of athletic trainers while also contending with budget limitations that impact hiring decisions.
Local healthcare professionals, such as Dr. John Tiffany and Dr. Joshua Pniewski, have advocated for the necessity of full-time athletic trainers in schools, emphasizing the priority of safety and security for students during sports activities. Recognizing pitfalls in the past contracting practices, which often fell short in meeting the needs of the athletes, the school board aims to revisit the prospect of expanding full-time trainer positions as the district’s budgetary picture becomes clearer.
Overall, this initiative demonstrates a solid commitment to ensuring better health management for student athletes, paving the way for an improved sports environment within Aiken County.
FAQ
What is the budget for hiring athletic trainers in Aiken County?
The Aiken County School Board has allocated nearly $300,000 to hire three full-time athletic trainers for Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley High Schools.
What schools will receive the full-time athletic trainers?
The full-time athletic trainers will be hired for Aiken High School, Silver Bluff High School, and Wagener-Salley High School.
How will the presence of full-time trainers benefit student athletes?
Full-time trainers will provide dedicated health support, enhancing relationships with students and staff, and improving overall safety during athletic activities.
What is the recruitment timeline for the athletic trainers?
The school district is accepting applications for the athletic trainer positions and aims to complete the hiring process by the end of the upcoming football season.
Key Features of Athletic Trainer Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | $300,000 allocated for three trainers |
| Schools Involved | Aiken, Silver Bluff, Wagener-Salley High Schools |
| Trainer Type | Full-Time Athletic Trainers |
| Recruitment Timeline | By the end of the football season |
| Budget for Each Trainer | Approximately $100,000 |
| Historical Coverage | Prior reliance on temporary trainers |
| Objective | Enhanced safety for student athletes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken high school football schedule: 2025 live updates, cancellations & reschedules
Polo events Aiken: How to Stay Involved Year-Round
Aiken high school football schedule: Varsity & JV 2025
Aiken high school football schedule: Homecoming, Senior Night & Weeknight Games
Additional Resources
- WJBF: Aiken County High Schools to Have Full-Time Athletic Trainers
- Post and Courier: Athletic Trainers Positions in Aiken Schools
- WJBF Video: Full-Time Athletic Trainers in Aiken County
- WRDW: Aiken County Schools to Hire Athletic Trainers
- The National Desk: Students at Risk – No Athletic Trainers in Schools
- Wikipedia: Athletic Trainer
- Google Search: Athletic Trainers in Schools
- Google Scholar: Athletic Training Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletic Training
- Google News: Athletic Trainers School Safety
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
