La Crosse, Wis. - UW-La Crosse Intercollegiate Athletics is giving fans an opportunity to get to know its staff during the 2020-21 season.  We thank members of the Eagles' staff for participating.  Today's staff member is UWL Staff Athletic Trainer Sheldon Wagner. 

He begins his seventh year as a staff athletic trainer at UW-La Crosse in 2019-20.  Wagner served as the head athletic trainer at Viterbo University (Wis.) from 1999-2014.  There he coordinated athletic medicine service for all 300 student-athletes across its 17 varsity sports.
 
A 2004 recipient of the Viterbo University Servant-Leader Award, Wagner earned the honor in recognition of demonstrable servant leader qualities and characteristics in interpersonal relationships, performance, and achievement.  
 
Wagner has served in various instructional roles at UWL since 1996.  He is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science.  He teaches both undergraduate courses and in the Master of Science in Athletic Training graduate program.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) in 1994 and his Master of Science degree in Human Performance from UWL in 1995.
 
Wagner values volunteerism and has experience working with the United States Olympic Training Center (Lake Placid, N.Y.), USA Wrestling, the National Football League's New Orleans Saints, Special Olympics, Freedom Honor Flight, the American Red Cross and the Wisconsin High School Cycling League.
 
Since joining UWL, he has worked with the baseball, soccer, basketball, and track & field programs and is currently providing athletic training services to the volleyball and softball squads.

Sheldon Wagner

Your hometown?  Alexandria, Minnesota.  

Most influential person in your career?  I've worked with a number of tremendous colleagues who have provided inspiration, guidance and friendship over my career.  I am happy to learn from anyone at any time.

What you like about your job?  The variety of the work in athletic training is unparalleled.  You encounter something or someone or go somewhere new almost every day.

The thing you most like about the Coulee Region?  We have everything we need here and this area's natural beauty is stunning.

Favorite memory of working in athletics?  I've had several: most involve aiding an athlete or teammate perform at a high level after adversity.  National tournament play is always exciting but often the biggest, most important steps we take on our paths to success are the first ones after a fall.

What you like that would surprise those who know you?  I'm the youngest of 10 kids in my family.

Favorite food?  Whatever you're making.

Favorite app?  Pandora.  I love having music on whenever I'm not working.

Favorite movie?  Gladiator
Favorite emoji?   

Favorite vacation spot?  By the lake.

Favorite band?  The Eagles but the Zac Brown Band is a close second.