The Bobby Gunn Unsung Hero Watch Award

The SWATA "Bobby Gunn Unsung Hero Watch Award" may be, but does not have to be, given annually to a member of District 6 who has served the Association in a dedicated professional manner. This service may be on a volunteer behind the scene basis or through appointed or elected duties. Their time and talents have been for the betterment of the Association and the advancement of the profession.

Past Award Recipients:
1990	Dennis McMeekin	2003	Melinda Terry
1991	Paul Zeek	2004	Dan O'Connor
1992	Everett Blackburn	2005	Mike Carroll
1993	Dennis Hart	2006	Al Wilson
1994	Mike Pruitt	2007	Gordon Graham
1995	Dave Burton	2008	Cory Pack
1996	Rob Joyce
1997	Ron Carroll
1998	Dave Lammers
1999	Brian Conway
2000	Kathy Dieringer
2001	Mitzi Laughlin
2002	Richard Davis

Robert (Bobby) Gunn

A True Unsung Hero: Noted for his humility and work ethic, Bobby Gunn, a Houston native, was instrumental in the development of SWATA. In fact, Gunn typed the original constitution of SWATA on his typewriter in the early 1950s. He was a leading force in the development of SWATA, who without his intense dedication, leadership and focus on teamwork, would not have likely grown into the organization it is today.

Education: Gunn earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Rice Institute (University) in 1951 and a Corrective Therapy Certificate in 1955.

Professional Experience: Gunn’s first position was with the Brazosport ISD in Freeport, Texas and later the Baytown Public Schools. In 1962 he became the Head Athletic Trainer at Lamar State College of Technology (Lamar University). In 1971 he became the Head Athletic Trainer for the Washing Redskins of the NFL and later the Houston Oilers from 1972 to 1974. He later worked for the Shreveport Steamer of the World Football League in 1974. Gunn returned to Houston and completed his career as a clinical outreach athletic trainer with the Baylor hospital system.

Elected Positions:

• SWATA Vice-President, 1955-1956
• SWATA President, two consecutive terms, 1956, 1957
• Multiple NATA Committees including: Membership, Professional Advancement, Curriculum, and Olympic Selection
• District VI Director, NATA Board
• Chair, NATA Board of Directors
• President, NATA, 1970-1974

Honors and Awards:

• SWATA Hall of Fame Charter Member, 1985
• NATA Hall of Fame Member
• Athletic Trainer, 3rd Pan Am Games, Chicago, 1959
• Athletic Trainer, USA Soccer Team, Mexico City, 1964
• Head Athletic Trainer, Pan Am Games, Winnipeg, Canada, 1967
• Athletic Trainer for five Texas High School Coaches Association All Star Games

Other Contributions:

• NATA Representative to: the Joint Commission on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, American College Health Association, AMA Conference on Medical Aspects of Sports