James Gillen BS, MS, ATC, LAT

 

Jim Gillen earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science at Fort Hays State University where he studied Health and Physical Education. Jim says, “I went to college hoping to become a coach and an educator. When I arrived at Fort Hays State University I was fortunate to begin working in that athletic training room, so as to be around athletics. This is where the passion for Athletic Training began and grew with the help of many mentors along the journey.”  He began his career as the Head Athletic Trainer, Health Department Chairman and Health Teacher at Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1975. Jim worked at both Aurora Central High School and Overland High School before working in the Sport Medicine Clinic and becoming Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Denver Broncos (1986-1991). Jim spent the majority of his career with the Denver Nuggets as the Head Athletic Trainer and has more recently taken a position as the Associate Athletic Director at Metropolitan State University in Denver. He has served on the RMATA Hall of Fame committee since 1994, in which he was inducted in 2010. Jim was also inducted into the CATA Hall of Fame (2013) and has received awards for Outstanding Promotion of Athletic Training. He has received the Joe O’Toole Athletic Trainer of the Year Award for the 2002-03 and 2007-08 seasons for the National Basketball Athletic Trainers’ Association. Jim is married to his wife, Terri, with four children: Jamee, Amanda, J.D., and Rachel.