GREENVILLE, Pa.—The Thiel College Concussion Management Team hosted its second annual Concussion Peer Education Program with the Tomcats football team, following last year’s sessions with Thiel’s soccer and cheerleading teams.
The research-based program—developed and published by Chestnut Hill College—was designed to educate student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers and administrators on concussion assessment, reporting and management.
Training began Aug. 14, when six selected football players received instruction to serve as peer educators. The student-athletes were chosen for peer respect, leadership roles, social involvement and athletic skill. Peer educators included Jake Badger ’26, Chris Bloomfield ’28, Mahkye Cortes ’28, Reggie Gordon ’28, Matt Jordan ’27 and DJ Logan ’26.
The peer educators led two core activities during the program: a PowerPoint presentation covering concussion facts—such as incidence, mechanisms of injury, signs and symptoms, recovery and prevention—and a “Flip the Script” exercise aimed at reshaping attitudes so athletes feel supported in reporting possible concussions and seeking care.
“Peer educators attended a training session and were highly engaging with their teammates during the program,” said Julie Kobak, a member of the College’s concussion management team. “I believe they will continue to serve as strong mentors and points of contact throughout the season for any concerns about reporting concussions.”
The Concussion Management Team emphasized that empowering student-athletes as peer educators helps drive positive cultural change from within teams.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.