Bio

Ferris State University Athletics announced the appointment of Dylan Pavka as an assistant athletic trainer for the Bulldogs, according to an announcement made by Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine Brett Knight.

Pavka, who previously served as an intern on the Bulldogs' staff in the fall of 2019, rejoins Bulldog Athletics to fill an open position on Knight's staff and will help provide medical coverage and care to FSU's 17 varsity programs.

He most recently has served for the past year as an athletic trainer for the Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center and Inland Lakes Secondary School.

"We're excited to have Dylan back on our staff and believe he'll be an outstanding addition to our team," said Knight. "He has gained significant experience over the past couple of years and knows our operation well, which will help make for a quick adjustment at this time of the year."

A certified and licensed athletic trainer, Pavka had primary coverage for a number of sports teams working with Inland Lakes Secondary School, including football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball along with track and field. He led preventative care and a sports performance class while also facilitating communication and referrals to primary care physicians.

Additionally, Pavka offered clinical coverage for students enrolled at Inland Lakes and performed manual therapy techniques, active stretching and therapeutic exercise for acute injuries. His time with the Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center also enabled him to gain comprehensive experience with management and rehabilitations of many acute and chronic injuries in addition to those diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. He was also trained in using instruments assisting in soft tissue mobilization and became proficient in using documentation software.

Pavka provided facility management for two athletic training facilities at Inland Lakes and managed the sports medicine budget, annual supply orders and equipment upkeep.

Prior to his last stop, Pavka was an athletic trainer and athletics administrative person at William H. Spencer High School while serving as an athletic trainer for the Houghton Foundation in the fall of 2020 where he provided primary sports coverage for 19 athletic programs and was responsible for overseeing the daily healthcare needs of approximately 200 student-athletes among his other responsibilities.

During his previous time at Ferris State in the fall of 2019, Pavka assisted in the supervision of eight student medical assistants and helped track inventory and resupplying equipment used for gameday activities and travel. He worked with the Bulldogs' nationally-ranked football program during his senior clinical internship experience and also assisted with coverage and treatment for sports such as cross country, hockey, soccer and volleyball.

Pavka earned his bachelor of science degree in athletic training from Aquinas College in 2020 and is currently finishing his master of science degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Georgia with an emphasis in exercise science. He is American Red Cross certified in CPR, AED, emergency medical response and basic life support for professional rescuers.