by MICHELLE GAUTREAUX

True passion lies deep within.

For most of us, it might take a lifetime to dig that deep—to find what truly drives us, inspires us and gives us satisfaction.

Raymond Champagne, 19, uncovered his passion early in life, leading to opened doors throughout his journey. In high school, Raymond considered pursuing architecture in college. Little did he know that helping out his football team at Vandebilt Catholic High School would lead to a lifelong career.

An athletic trainer is a skilled allied health care professional that is educated and experienced in the handling of health care problems related to sports participation. As a freshman at Vandebilt in 2005, Raymond went to the University of Southern Mississippi to become certified in CPR, first aid and AED. Few were certified at the time. Before anything could get done, most schools had to wait on paramedics even for the most minor injuries.

“Having a certified person there saves trips to the doctor and/or ER, which in turn saves lots of money for both the school and players,” Raymond says.

He got involved in many sports at Vandebilt, from football to girls’ basketball, track and soccer, attending many tournaments for district, city and state meets. His knowledge benefited the players, coaches and the school. The football players held such great respect for Raymond that they voted him as homecoming king.

“Raymond was always on point,” says Joel Ross, a former classmate and now USM’s defensive lineman. “There was nothing I couldn’t go to him for concerning football. He always had everything ready, and he was the only one I let tape me.”

The young trainer’s dedication to sports at his former high school paid off. After just a couple of years of high school experience, he began helping out at offensive camps at Nicholls State University and the Manning Passing Academy during the summer months.

“I was able to meet so many people, like the Mannings, and learn so much from these camps that I thought this is really where I want to be,” Raymond says. “I’m enjoying my work and getting paid.”

Raymond graduated from Vandebilt in 2008 at the top of his class before attending Louisiana State University. Majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in athletic training, Raymond aimed to be one of the top eight out of 32 student athletic trainers at LSU.

The summer before he started, he researched what it would take to achieve his goal and went after it.

As college freshmen, the student athletic trainers don’t participate
in any games; they just observe.

“On the first day, you come into the stadium empty and look up in amazement at the stadium’s quiet grandeur,” Raymond says, “but once the fans start entering, it gets crazy and loud.”

Raymond and another student went into LSU with high school experience, while most of the students were still green in the field. He submitted his application for the athletic training program during his freshman year and two weeks later received an e-mail stating that he was in and able to get his first choice—football.

Two days later, he was told that he was the No. 1 pick and received the Tiger Cub Scholarship, a $1,500 scholarship awarded to incoming student athletic trainers. Recipients acquire the highest binding score and show “poise and maturity” through the interview, leaving the staff with confidence that they represent the program with “dignity and class.”

LSU’s athletic training program prepares students to communicate effectively and build positive rapport with players, health care providers
and the public. Raymond exudes the university’s mission in both words and actions. His concern over his players both on and off the field and fast learning have made him successful in the athletic field.

After only two years, Raymond represented LSU in an NFL internship with the Houston Texans. Jack Marucci, director of athletic training at LSU, took Raymond aside during football practice one day and explained that he was chosen because of his taping skills, experience and work ethic. He left on July 23 to spend a month in Houston to attend two pre-season games against the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints.

A junior this year, Raymond’s next assignment will be women’s basketball at LSU. He is anxious to get started, but his true passion rests in football. He looks to the future and hopes to someday return to USM where it all began and work with Joel again.

A typical young guy in appearance, Raymond’s drive and determination flow through his speech. He speaks about his career choice as if he’s been in the business for years. He takes pride in his work, a natural quality of his. And that is something we should all hope to experience. PoV