Bruce Michael Kola ATC

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Bruce Kola earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a Pre-Physical Therapy focus from Montana State University in 1973. He continued on to earn his Master of Science with a specialization in Athletic Training from the University of Arizona in 1974. He spent the entirety of his career at Colorado College, where he worked as the Coordinator of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer from 1974 to 2012 and as a Faculty Member in the Department of Sports Science from 1988 to 2012. Throughout his career, Bruce has been involved with the US Olympic Committee, serving as an Athletic Trainer, Coordinator of Medical Services for the 1984 Olympic Games, and on numerous other committees. Bruce was inducted into the COATA Hall of Fame in 2013 and RMATA Hall of Fame in 2010. He describes how his career has been overwhelmingly positively influenced by his mentor, Chuck Karnop. “Charlie was a rodeo cowboy, educator and ATC. He taught me how to always place the health of an athlete before any and all influences from coachers or administrators. He demonstrated the need to continue to read and learn, not just for CEUs, but because is made him a better clinician. He taught me that the practice of athletic training is part of the practice of medicine.”