After 14 years as athletic trainer for the Braves and Bravettes, Tim Bennett has decided to step down from his current full-time position - although he still hopes to work during the fall football season.
"With my family growing up, it's time for me to step down and let someone else do it," said Bennett. "I am going to hang up the tape for a while."
Although a replacement hasn't been picked yet, the position won't be easy to fill.
"We don't know our options until people are interested," said activities director Gene Boyle. "Finding someone that will fit into our teaching jobs will be hard. To get a certified trainer and an excellent teacher is ideal."
With the introduction of new sports like soccer and volleyball, Bennett's role has changed since he first came to Flathead in 1983.
Head football coach Bob Applegate thinks the trainer position is too demanding.
"I think he's been abused by the system," said Applegate. "To ask a guy to do every AA sport, it's too much."
Not only does Bennett attend all the games at Flathead, he is at most of the practices as well. In all, Bennett has worked three seasons a year for the last 14 years.
"It's not going to be easy to replace Tim," said Boyle. "He put in his time and certainly left a positive impact at Flathead."
Since Bennett became the first full-time certified trainer at Flathead, he's been involved in more than just wrapping ankles or taping arches.
"You get to see the kids at a different level," said Bennett. "They're more your friends than just a student. You get closer to the kids and that's one of the things I like most about it."
Bennett said it's a privilege and honor to train at Flathead, and he feels he was lucky to have worked with former FHS grads like Mark Gilman and Dan Troop. Gilman was a member of Nebraska's national championship team in 1995 and Troop wrestles for the University of Iowa.
"We've had a lot of good athletes come through here," said Bennett. "I've been fortunate to meet some really neat kids."
During football season, Bennett is with the team Monday through Saturday.
"He understands the game and the injuries that come along with football," said Applegate. "He's not only a mender but a supporter."
Will Bennett miss his role as team trainer at Flathead?
"I will miss the games and competition," said Bennett. "But I have no regrets about it. I've always felt the kids were really well taken care of."