Mr. Kruger is the Senior Vice President of Workers Compensation Services for ATI Physical Therapy, a rapidly growing outpatient rehabilitation provider. Since his joining ATI in 2000, ATI has grown from 1 location and 6 employees to 90 locations/1200+ employees in 5 states. Mr. Kruger is the co-developer of ATI’s Trademarked Work Conditioning/Hardening Program – the FIRST Program, which utilizes strength and conditioning expertise, sports psychology, and physical rehabilitation principles. After producing superior clinical results with Workers Compensation clients, Mr. Kruger founded ATI’s dedicated Research and Development Department – which now employs 4 full time professional researchers. The results of the FIRST Program has been published & presented in organizations like NASS, World Spine, Spine Across the Sea, ACOEM, ASES, FASEB, ACSM, and the NSCA. Mr. Kruger has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences regarding workers compensation services & outcomes, both internationally and in 10 different states. He has performed approximately 1100 Key Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) for case closure and was a FIRST Program Director for over 5 years. Currently, Mr. Kruger provides clinical training and quality control oversight for all 40 FIRST Programs within ATI Physical Therapy, as well as starting up ATI’s first two (2) Fitness Centers. He holds a Master’s Degree (M.S.) in Human Performance from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT), USA Weightlifting Club Coach, and a CHEK Level I rehabilitation specialist.
Posts Tagged ‘Sports’
ISPA Professional Spotlight Matt Kruger
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010The ISPA for Institutions!
Friday, June 25th, 2010The International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA) provides accreditation for sports-related programs at academic institutions! Such programs may include, but are not limited to:
- Athletic Coaching
- Athletic Therapy/Training
- Exercise Science
- Massage Therapy
- Movement Science
- Sports Agent
- Sports and Exercise Psychology
- Sports Counseling
- Sport Lawyer
- Sports Management
- Sports Media/Broadcast
- Sports Media/Print Journalism
- Sport Media/Public Relations
- Sports Medicine
- Sport Photographer
- Therapeutic Recreation
The ISPA is currently in the process of accrediting three (3) sports-related programs for a prominent university in Singapore! This process includes a strenuous review and development of program curriculum, standards, student expectations, faculty, and facilities. Such accreditation yields a great deal of benefits for an institution, including:
- Added credibility for new or existing programs
- The creation of a competitive advantage by becoming more desirable to potential students and receiving more favorable reviews
- A great deal of guidance and development for programs from the ISPA to meet accreditation standards
- ISPA Student Accreditation for all students enrolled in the ISPA accredited program – an incredible resumé builder for new professionals!
- Full service publishing and promotion of materials such as sports-related academic works, articles, research, and more through the ISPA and its Affiliates.
- Strategic advertising and marketing assistance from the ISPA in the promotion of the Institution and its programs/practices throughout the global academic community
If you and/or your institution is interested in ISPA Institutional Accreditation and would like more detailed information on the accreditation process, benefits, qualifications, or other specifics, please contact:
Andrew Teunis
ISPA Director of Business Development
(312) 920-9522
ateunis@theISPA.org
“Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – Dr. John Dewey
ISPA to Attend exciting Workers Comp Expo!
Monday, June 21st, 2010Date: November 10, 2010
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Now in its 19th year, the National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Conference® & Expo remains the nation’s leading event for anyone involved in the workers’ comp and disability management industries.
The full conference officially kicks off Wednesday, November 10, with an opening keynote followed by 2-1/2 days packed more than 30, topic-oriented breakout sessions.
The Expo portion of the conference brings more than 250 exhibitors together under one roof for 2 full days to display and answer questions about their products and services relevant to the workers’ comp and disability management industries. The Expo provides an additional venue for you to gather knowledge to take home plus numerous opportunities to network with your peers. For more information please visit: http://www.wcconference.com/
Paul Tagliabue-Conference Address
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010Paul Tagliabue, the former commissioner of the NFL, gave the opening keynote address to the Sports and Society conference ISPA administration attended recently. The thrust of his message was a call for LEADERSHIP in sports and in the sports industry. He stated, “The need for leadership in sports will not diminish in the years to come.” He called for more discussion and analysis of leadership and opportunities for leadership.
Paul Tagliabue’s message was exciting for us to hear because ISPA is all about helping sports professionals take leadership in their field. His message was a strong support for the mission of The International Sports Professionals Association.
Dr. John E. Mayer, President-the International Sports Professionals Association-ISPA
Kurt A. David Receives Diplomate Credential
Friday, June 4th, 2010While we were at the Sports and Society Conference in De Pere, Wisconsin we met up with fellow ISPA Credentialed Professional Kurt A. David. When the ISPA told Kurt about this prestigious conference, he immediately decided to present at the conference.
The ISPA felt it would be a great time to honor Kurt’s many achievements in sports counseling by recognizing him as a Diplomate within the ISPA. Diplomate is the highest status one can reach in their field. Diplomate status is only given to a few select individuals whom have reached the pinnacle in their field. Furthermore, to be considered for Diplomate status you must exhibit great passion for sports. After spending time with Kurt it is very clear that he is not only an accomplished professional but also a passionate individual. We are honored to have Kurt A. David as an ISPA Diplomate. For more information on Kurt visit: www.fromglorydays.com
CWcHP Certification Drawing Attention
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010The release of the CWcHP certification is drawing great deal of attention. The press release ISPA sent out received 49,000 hits in the first 24 hours!
I want to say two things about this. First, you and your company should consider getting in on this new certification for Worker’s Compensation patients and Industrial Athlete patients. BECOME A LEADER IN YOUR FIELD. Second, to professionals in all fields we certify, look at the attention ISPA draws to you and your business. Check out the revolutionary CWcHP credential on our web site: www.theISPA.org.
Dr. Mayer, President
ISPA Participating an Exciting Conference!
Monday, May 10th, 2010May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI.
ISPA is participating in an exciting conference, “A Mirror Of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. Dr. Mayer will be presenting on multiple topics. (Link to conference: https://www.snc.edu/sportandsociety/schedule.html). We encourage you to look at the link, and if any ISPA professionals would like to co-present with ISPA, please contact Justin Mayer at Justin@thesportsprofessionals.com ASAP. General registration opens on February 1st.
“A Mirror of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” is a distinctive, intimate, and affordable three-day event that provides opportunities for sports academics and professionals working in sports-related fields to network and to share their expertise about American sports. The conference will cover the following issues:
• Economic Issues in Sports
• Sports History
• Amateur and College Athletics
• The Business of Sports
• The Sociology of Sports
• Sports and Education
• Sports Communications
• Sports and Race
The conference includes a number of elements meant to create a unique experience for all those who participate and attend. Paul Tagliabue, former Commissioner (CEO) of the National Football League, and Carl Vogel, Partner of SCP Worldwide, will give major addresses offering their perspective on “Sports in America” and “The Future of American Sports.” Dr. Robert Kustra, President of Boise State University, will be presenting “Modern College Athletics: A View from the Top.” Also, Kevin B. Blackistone of ESPN’s “Around the Horn” and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland will be speaking on “Race and Sports in America.” Academics and practitioners will be able to network with each other and to give and hear papers and presentations on a wide range topics related to American sports.
The conference will also include a gallery exhibition of the finest American sports photography, and a juried festival of sports-themed films and videos.
ISPA Participating an Exciting Conference!
Thursday, April 8th, 2010May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI.
ISPA is participating in an exciting conference, “A Mirror Of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. Dr. Mayer will be presenting on multiple topics. (Link to conference: https://www.snc.edu/sportandsociety/schedule.html). We encourage you to look at the link, and if any ISPA professionals would like to co-present with ISPA, please contact Justin Mayer at Justin@thesportsprofessionals.com ASAP. General registration opens on February 1st.
“A Mirror of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” is a distinctive, intimate, and affordable three-day event that provides opportunities for sports academics and professionals working in sports-related fields to network and to share their expertise about American sports. The conference will cover the following issues:
• Economic Issues in Sports
• Sports History
• Amateur and College Athletics
• The Business of Sports
• The Sociology of Sports
• Sports and Education
• Sports Communications
• Sports and Race
The conference includes a number of elements meant to create a unique experience for all those who participate and attend. Paul Tagliabue, former Commissioner (CEO) of the National Football League, and Carl Vogel, Partner of SCP Worldwide, will give major addresses offering their perspective on “Sports in America” and “The Future of American Sports.” Dr. Robert Kustra, President of Boise State University, will be presenting “Modern College Athletics: A View from the Top.” Also, Kevin B. Blackistone of ESPN’s “Around the Horn” and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland will be speaking on “Race and Sports in America.” Academics and practitioners will be able to network with each other and to give and hear papers and presentations on a wide range topics related to American sports.
The conference will also include a gallery exhibition of the finest American sports photography, and a juried festival of sports-themed films and videos.
ISPA-Professional Spotlight for April
Thursday, April 1st, 2010The International Sports Professionals Association is pleased to announce its Credentialed Professional for April is Edgar Tham.
Edgar is Singapore’s pioneer Sport & Performance Psychologist, he has worked with more than 40 different performance domains (e.g., sports, music, performing arts, military, business, trading, etc) from the schools to world championship levels since 1993. He was employed by the Singapore Government as its very first local sport psychologist in 1995.
Edgar was the team consultant and traveling psychologist to numerous national teams preparing for the SEA Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and World Championships since 1993. As a Registered Psychologist with the Singapore Psychological Society, Edgar is listed in the International Who’s Who of Professionals (2000) for his specialized work in peak performance psychology. He is the author of “In The Zone: The Mindset for Peak Performance in Sports,” “Psychological Rehabilitation: Mental Skills for Healing & Recovery” and co-author of “The Ideal Performance State” with Dr Daniel Weigand, President of Achieve Acumen, Inc, USA. In 2007, Edgar developed a new high-performance SPORTS Coaching Model for executive coaching in MNC’s and business corporations.
He is long-time lecturer for the Singapore Sports Council’s National Coaching Accreditation Program in Mental Skills Training since 1996, and is a part-time faculty member of several overseas undergraduate psychology and sport science degree courses offered in Singapore.
Congratulations Edgar!
ISPA-Management Team
He is long-time lecturer for the Singapore Sports Council�s National Coaching Accreditation Program in Mental Skills Training since 1996, and is a part-time faculty member of several overseas undergraduate psychology and sport science degree courses offered in Singapore.
ISPA Participating an Exciting Conference!
Monday, March 29th, 2010May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI.
ISPA is participating in an exciting conference, “A Mirror Of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” May 26-28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. Dr. Mayer will be presenting on multiple topics. (Link to conference: https://www.snc.edu/sportandsociety/schedule.html). We encourage you to look at the link, and if any ISPA professionals would like to co-present with ISPA, please contact Justin Mayer at Justin@thesportsprofessionals.com ASAP. General registration opens on February 1st.
“A Mirror of Our Culture: Sport and Society in America” is a distinctive, intimate, and affordable three-day event that provides opportunities for sports academics and professionals working in sports-related fields to network and to share their expertise about American sports. The conference will cover the following issues:
• Economic Issues in Sports
• Sports History
• Amateur and College Athletics
• The Business of Sports
• The Sociology of Sports
• Sports and Education
• Sports Communications
• Sports and Race
The conference includes a number of elements meant to create a unique experience for all those who participate and attend. Paul Tagliabue, former Commissioner (CEO) of the National Football League, and Carl Vogel, Partner of SCP Worldwide, will give major addresses offering their perspective on “Sports in America” and “The Future of American Sports.” Dr. Robert Kustra, President of Boise State University, will be presenting “Modern College Athletics: A View from the Top.” Also, Kevin B. Blackistone of ESPN’s “Around the Horn” and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland will be speaking on “Race and Sports in America.” Academics and practitioners will be able to network with each other and to give and hear papers and presentations on a wide range topics related to American sports.
The conference will also include a gallery exhibition of the finest American sports photography, and a juried festival of sports-themed films and videos.


