DURANGO – May 1, 2018 – A cornerstone for the Fort Lewis College Department of Athletics for the past 22 years, Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Sports Medicine Wayne Barger has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2018.
 
"It has been a great run of 22 years at Fort Lewis College," said Barger. "I am so very grateful that my career path brought me to such a wonderful place, introduced me to so many fantastic people, and allowed me the opportunity to experience so much.
 
"Fort Lewis College has many quality people who are very dedicated to providing a quality educational experience, working with limited resources but passionate about the potential outcomes."
 
In 22 seasons with the Skyhawks, Barger has served as the head athletic trainer to more than 4,000 student-athletes.  He has overseen numerous assistant athletic trainers and student athletic trainers. 
 
One of Barger's most impactful contributions to Fort Lewis College was creating the Athletic Training Education Program.  While also serving as an instrumental instructor, the Athletic Training Education Program became a nationally-accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Fort Lewis was only one of five colleges and universities in the state of Colorado to have an accredited athletic training education program. His experience in athletic training at national and international competitions assists Skyhawk student-athletes attain personal levels of success.
 
"Wayne has given FLC years of service, loyalty, and expertise," said Fort Lewis College President Dr. Dene Thomas.  "He has been my reliable, common-sense friend.  I will sorely miss him."
 
Barger was inducted into the Colorado Athletic Training Association (CATA) Hall of Fame in May 2015, and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 2011. He received the Fort Lewis College Director of Athletics Appreciation Award in 1999.

In 2012, Barger was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Development.  He has served as the primary contact for all fundraising activities, including the Skyhawk Athletic Association, the department's corporate partnership program, and the department's season ticket campaign.
 
In his 22 years at FLC, Barger has served on several college committees, including the Assessment Committee and Budget Committee.
 
Barger recalls one of his favorite memories and experiences at FLC.  "My most memorable event and 'reality' check was traveling to Mesa State for a football game," said Barger. "The driving caravan included President (Joel) Jones and his wife, Julie. My family (wife Karen and two sons, Chris and Matt) drove along with me. We taped the football team in the wood shop at Palisade High School. The starting linebacker, Justin Hudson, shared his post-game pizza with my youngest son, sitting on the curb."

Barger came to Fort Lewis from the University New Mexico, where he had been Assistant Head Athletic Trainer and curriculum instructor for 10 years.

He has extensive experience in athletic training at international and national sporting events. In 1996, he served as athletic trainer for the U.S. men's field hockey team at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga. He also served as athletic trainer for basketball and track & field at the 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival in San Antonio, Texas, and for the U.S. junior national basketball team at a qualification tournament in Santa Rosa, Argentina, in 1994. In 1999, Barger served as the athletic trainer for the U.S. junior men's basketball team at the Junior World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal.

He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and athletic training. He received his master's degree in physical education administration from UNM in 1984.

When not performing his athletic training responsibilities, Barger enjoys golfing, rafting, and fly-fishing.