Tony Marek, MS, ATC, LAT
Education and Professional Highlights
- Master of Science, University of Arizona, 1979
- Bachelors of Science, Athletic Training, California State University, Sacramento, 1978
- Certified Athletic Trainer since 1978
- Licensed Athletic Trainer in the State of Nevada since 2009
- Athletic Trainer for Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR) since 2002
- Athletic Trainer with Justin Sports Medicine Team since 1980
- Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Nevada, Reno, 1985-1998
- Vice President of National Athletic Trainers Association, 1997-2002
- District 8 Far West Athletic Trainers Director, 1997-2002
- Head Athletic Trainer at Western New Mexico University, 1984-1985
- Assistant Athletic Trainer at University of Arizona, Tucson. 1979-1984
Awards
- Hall of Fame for the Far West Athletic Trainers Association, 2006
- Hall of Fame for the National Athletic Trainers Association, 2005
- Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainer Association, 2004
Bio
Tony Marek believes in the power of the neuromuscular system and its ability to re-train proper movement patterns. He utilizes his extensive clinical skills to determine the many biomechanical factors that could be contributing to a condition, performs a wide variety of manual therapy techniques to decrease pain and selects exercises that are specifically designed for retraining movement to improve performance and prevent recurrence of injury. Tony has worked in the sports and athletic training world for the past 30 years helping recreational and elite athletes of all kinds, from young athletes and dancers, to older adults and elite athletes, specializing in injury screening and performance training in order to return athletes to sport.
Tony continues to bring his expertise to rodeo athletes throughout the country by working with the Professional Bull Riding Association (PBR) and Justin Sports Medicine Team. You will always see him working the Reno Rodeo as he has helped the athletes for the last three decades. As the Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Tony helped Wolfpack athletes return to their optimal health and performance level. He then transitioned into the clinic setting where he not only continues to help Wolfpack Alumni but local individuals trying to reach their health goals and healthy living potential.
When Tony is working you are likely to see a student observing and learning from him. He is very passionate about the education for our students and continues to drive the profession forward in educational advancements. While in his tenure at University of Nevada, Reno he developed the academic athletic training program for undergraduate students and the implementation of the graduate athletic training program providing Athletic Trainers for the Washoe County School District. He is very active in his professional organization, the National Athletic Trainer Association and has been a constant advocate for the advancement of the Athletic Training field. He was inducted to the National Athletic Training Association Hall of Fame and Far West Athletic Trainer Association Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements in the athletic training field.
In his free time, Tony enjoys mountain biking, organic farming and is Nevada history enthusiast. Most of his days off are spent on the “Ranchita” with his lovely wife Karen and their growing number of farm animals.