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Greetings fellow athletic trainers – I am Jim Bazluki and I am seeking your support and vote for the
position of secretary of the MAATA. As a lifelong member of the MAATA (I joined the MAATA as a
freshman at ECU in ‘86), I was mentored by some of the districts finest during an era when professional
service was the norm. Now it is my turn to give back to a profession which has given so much to me.
While our district has definitely transformed over the past few years, we still have a great deal of
growing to do and I want to make sure we continue to grow in the right directions.
So why me? I bring one of the most diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table. I have worked in
almost every setting as an athletic trainer – from a Division I University to a high school teacher/athletic
trainer, from the NFL internship to international club soccer, from physical therapy office to orthopaedic
surgeons practice, and currently for a large hospital system in an outreach position and as a preceptor to
a local university ATEP program. I have always worked in athletic training positions that were “boots on
the ground and in the trenches”. My current school was awarded the NATA Safe Sports School Award in
2014 – the first such award in our area and 7th in NC. As a result of my hard work and dedication to my
athletes/patients, the NCATA membership awarded me with the NCATA AT of the Year in the
college/university setting in 1997; NCATA AT of the Year for secondary schools in 2007; and recently into
the NCATA Hall of Fame in 2014. To date – I am the only athletic trainer in our state association history
to have won the ATOY in two different categories and am the youngest ever inducted into the HOF.
The decision for my candidacy has been given much thought and consideration. I have the time and
energy to focus on the MAATA as I currently do not hold other elected offices that will divide my time
and efforts. I have served the NCATA as Secretary/Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, PR Chair,
Strategic Plan Chair, and served on numerous committees. I have offered my services to the MAATA
several times for open positions on committees and have served as exhibits coordinator for our district
meeting.
The MAATA is at an important time in the evolution of our young profession. We need to continue to
grow and evolve and solidify our place at the healthcare table. The methods we use to communicate,
socialize, learn, regulate and practice have all evolved over the past few years and we have been slow to
respond in some areas. We need to be more proactive in our approach and lead the way. I want to help
facilitate that change as we continue to face the challenges of the future. I want to make sure we are
leading the charge and not bringing up the rear. We must continue to make strides in our efforts and
with your support we will advance our profession into a major player in healthcare.
I hope you take the time to get involved in your profession and remain active in our association. I would
appreciate your support and hope that you encourage others to exercise their voices and vote in this
important election. Thank you for your time and look forward to seeing you all in May!