Athletic Training
Vision
The Sports Medicine Department at Colby Community College is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services that support the success, safety, and well-being of all Trojan student-athletes. The department works hard to deliver high-quality injury prevention and diagnosis, emergency care, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play services for all 14 athletic programs at Colby Community College.
The department also strives to remain current with the ever-evolving field of athletic training and sports medicine through continued education, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. In alignment with the mission and values of Colby Community College, the group is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, accountability, respect, service, and student-centered care while helping Trojan student-athletes compete at their highest level academically and athletically.
Mission
The mission of the Sports Medicine Department at Colby Community College is to provide all Trojan student-athletes with the highest standard of healthcare and athletic training services possible. The department is committed to advocating for the overall physical and mental well-being of every student-athlete while emphasizing injury prevention, timely care, safe recovery, and long-term health.
Through collaboration with coaches, physicians, strength and conditioning staff, and college administration, the Sports Medicine Department aims to create a safe and supportive environment that allows student-athletes to thrive both in competition and in the classroom. All care and treatment are provided in accordance with the Board of Certification Standards of Professional Practice, Kansas athletic training licensure requirements, NJCAA guidelines, and the policies and procedures established by the Colby Community College Athletic Department and Sports Medicine staff.
Sports Medicine Team
Head Athletic Trainer: Kipp Nelson
Team Physician:
College Health Nurse: Christy Summers, RN; email: studenthealth@colbycc.edu, phone: 785-460-5502, office located in the Union.
Chiropractor:
Kipp Nelson has served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Colby Community College since 1999, providing over two decades of dedicated care and leadership to Trojan Athletics. He is responsible for overseeing injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for all student-athletes, as well as managing athletic training coverage for practices, home competitions, and designated events.
Nelson earned his bachelor's degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1994, where he was honored with the Wallace Outstanding Athletic Trainer Award. He began his professional career as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Douglas Unified School District in Douglas, Arizona. During his two-year tenure, he launched a comprehensive sports medicine program that supported 12 athletic teams and included classroom instruction in sports medicine.
He went on to complete his master's degree at Eastern New Mexico University in 1999, serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer. While at ENMU, Nelson worked closely with the volleyball, basketball, and baseball programs, gaining extensive hands-on experience at the collegiate level.
In addition to his clinical duties at Colby, Nelson mentors athletic training work-study students, contributing to the development of future professionals in the field. His commitment to student-athlete health and safety has made him a cornerstone of the Trojan Athletic Department.