CU-Lock Haven athletic training student completes full immersion externship in Georgia
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (06/24/2025) — During the last semester of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Commonwealth-University Lock Haven, each student completes a full immersion externship experience at a location of their choice. Reese Allen, of Canton, completed his immersive experience at Lowndes County High School (LCHS) and the Hughston Clinic, both in Valdosta, Georgia.
Allen worked under the supervision of head athletic trainer Philip Pieplow and assistant athletic trainers Margaret Ligon and Ashley Evans at the high school and under Dr. Matthew Heaton at the Hughston Clinic. Heaton is also the team physician for LCHS.
Allen did not gain an interest in the athletic training program until he arrived at CU-Lock Haven in the fall of 2020. "I really had no clue what an athletic trainer did," Allen said. "I remember getting an email from Dr. Stephen Streator promoting the 3+2 athletic training program, I took a shot at it and the rest is history."
Allen chose Lowndes High as his immersive site because of a previous CU-Lock Haven athletic training student, Gabby Weyrich. "I had heard that Gabby had a great experience with Pieplow at the high school, and I have always wanted to visit Georgia," Allen said.
Two of the athletic trainers at LCHS were hired through the Hughston Clinic, which is what led Allen to choose to also complete hours at that location. Allen shadowed Heaton for a few hours every Monday morning during the spring semester. This involved being in the room with Heaton while he reviewed patient information, determined diagnoses and discussed treatment options. Allen then spent his afternoons at the school with his supervising athletic trainers.
The first half of the spring 2025 semester at LCHS was spent primarily working with boys' and girls' basketball. Allen spent the second half of the semester working with the high school's baseball, outdoor track and field, tennis and soccer teams. While at LCHS, Allen was able to complete evaluations of injured athletes, develop treatment plans and assist with athletic event coverage.
During his time at LCHS, Allen learned about the use of dry needling when treating athletes, which is used to help aid the recovery process of damaged tissues. It involves inserting small needles into the affected muscle causing the muscle to twitch, which then pulls more blood flow to the area and helps relax the muscle.
"I am eternally grateful for my experience this semester" Allen said. "Pieplow, Ashley, Margaret and Dr. Heaton are great leaders and even better preceptors. They allowed me to really blossom into the person I am today, and I have seen tremendous amounts of personal growth from my time working with them."
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From left, are Josh Akers, Reese Allen, Ashley Evans, Philip Pieplow, Margaret Ligon and Danny Redshaw.
