work in this league. Even though I miss a lot of functions, I know my
family supports me.”
When Labate is asked to describe his experiences at Super Bowl
50, the only word that comes to his mind is “surreal.” He found it
incredibly rewarding to be a part of something he and his staff had
been working toward, and to feel as if that hard work finally paid off.
Additionally, Labate’s dad and sister, Kristen, were able to attend the
game and support Labate’s hard work and achievements. “My most
memorable moment followed the field’s set-up,” says Labate. “I walked
out onto the 50-yard line, looked up at the scoreboard and thought
to myself, ‘This is it! I am at the Super Bowl! All of my hard work and
dedication has finally paid off.’”
Labate loves working with the elite football players each day.
“We have a great locker room and all of the players really appreciate
what we do,” he says. “I get to utilize my clinical skills at the highest
level every single day, and seeing an athlete return from an injury
that I rehabilitated is one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever
experienced.” Labate adds that all of the players are respectful and fun
to be around each day.
Labate’s family and friends were of course watching Super Bowl 50
from their home televisions and he was happy to receive a ton of text
messages and Facebook posts following the game that let him know
everyone saw him on TV. “I know my family and friends are proud
of me,” says Labate. “They are my biggest support system — without
them, none of this would have ever been possible.”
Labate says that athletic training is a very rewarding profession:
“I am so lucky to be able to do this job at the highest level. However,
what the fans see on a Sunday afternoon is a very small snapshot of
what we do during the regular week.” He goes on to say that most
athletic trainers work 80 to 90 hours per week during the regular
season and over 100 hours during training camp.
But in the midst of it all, Labate continues to live and work by two
basic principles: work hard and be nice to people. “If you do these two
things, anything is possible — I promise,” he says.
Labate admits that the Carolina Panthers are currently his favorite
team, but notes that he is a Steelers fan and always will be, no matter
where he goes.
Despite his success, Labate
still remembers that Shaler
Area is where it all started.
“Shaler helped shape who I
am today by introducing me
to the profession I love,” he
says. “Without Shaler and
the mentoring of Bill Couts,
I may have never found my
passion for athletic training,
so I am truly grateful.” ■
Shaler | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 13