Ice and Elevate with Trainer Adam Olsavsky
Philadelphia, PA- Philadelphia University Sports Information Director (SID) Sarah Punderson chatted with the one of the newest Athletic Department staff members- Assistant Trainer Adam Olsavsky, to see what he's been up to since being hired on July 1st, the interview follows here:
SP: You will be a new face on campus for the
2010-11 school year, how has your transition to PhilaU been so
far?
AO: The transition has been great. Things
are slower in the summer time but it’s given me time to get
to know the staff and meet a few athletes who are around.
Everyone has been very nice and made me feel welcome.
SP: What teams did you work with at Villanova?
AO: My primary responsibility was the men’s and women’s cross country/track teams. My position also had me mentoring interns who took care of other teams such as volleyball, soccer, and softball, so I interacted frequently with multiple teams.
SP: Did you see Jay Wright much at
‘Nova?
AO: Not on a daily basis since the men’s
basketball team has their own facility apart from the rest of
athletics but I have met him on several occasions and provided
medical coverage for his youth basketball camps in the summer.
SP:Have you gotten a chance to meet Coach Herb Magee, and if so what did you think?
AO: I met Coach Magee a few weeks ago when he stopped in the athletic training room to welcome me. It was a brief chat and he was very nice. I look forward to working with him. He’s an icon in the coaching profession.
SP: Will you be covering specific sports here or do you and Erin (Pletcher) share duties?
AO: Erin and I decided to stick with the current model and share the duties rather than assign teams.
SP: What is your favorite season of the athletics calendar?
AO: From a fan’s perspective I’d say the fall. I love to watch both college and NFL football. I’ve never had a desire to work with it professionally. I also like soccer, so I can get my fill of that at work.
SP: What does a trainer do in the offseason?
AO: Typically we’re preparing for the start of next year as soon as one year ends. Some of things I do on a daily basis include managing medical paperwork for next years’ returners and incoming freshmen, continuing rehabilitation of an injured athlete or just looking for ways to improve how things are done.
SP: What do you like to do outside of work for
fun?
AO: Coach Thomas would be glad to know I like to
run a lot-although I don’t know if I could keep up with his
teams! I’ve run competitively since I was 14 and hope
to try a half marathon soon and possibly a full marathon
later. I’m really into movies and I’m still a kid
at heart so I have a Nintendo Wii that I play often.
SP: At West Chester, did you compete in
athletics?
AO: I did-two years of XC and track.
SP: What are your expectations for our teams in 2010-11?
AO: It seems collectively the athletic programs did very well here last year. I’d expect them to continue that competitive attitude.
