This spring trimester, our sports medicine teacher, Mr. Hutchins, has returned to Wooster. He was a longtime athletic trainer who helped shape the athletics program we know today.
Mr. Hutchins originally left Wooster to spend more time with his family after balancing several responsibilities at school. During his time away, he worked remotely developing sports medicine curriculum and spent more time with his children. While he enjoyed that chapter of his life, he missed working with the students.
“Every day I get to drive onto campus to teach is such a treat,” he said. “That sounds simple, but I have seen this place do amazing things for all sorts of kids, helping them in ways they didn’t know they needed help.”
His interest in sports medicine began with his love of sports and a recommendation from a high school classmate. After studying athletic training and education, he unexpectedly joined Wooster in 2000 as the PE teacher, as well as the Athletic Trainer. Even though Mr. Hutchins had little experience teaching, he was mentored by Carol Hackett and Dave MacNutt, who were both part of the Athletic Department at Wooster when he first joined. After 5 or 6 years teaching PE, he decided to get his master's in exercise science so he could help develop athletes here, using advanced knowledge in performance enhancement and injury prevention.
One of Mr. Hutchins' favorite parts of teaching sports medicine is introducing students to a field they may never have considered. He believes the course gives students a valuable look into healthcare careers while helping them discover whether the subject is something they want to pursue in the future. Beyond medical knowledge, Mr. Hutchins hopes students develop discipline and responsibility; his course is rigorous, and it takes a lot of work to fully take in all the material he teaches.
“Biology is slow,” he explained, emphasizing that both learning and recovery take time, effort, and active participation.
He wants students to understand the importance of taking care of their bodies for their long-term health and that “if you treat your body right, it will serve you well, and you will have a happy, active life,” said Mr. Hutchins. Since returning, he has enjoyed getting to know a new generation of students and getting to be back with the Wooster community. He appreciates the school's supportive environment and the opportunity to work with students each day.
“What I really loved about Wooster is the students,” he said. “Students keep teachers young.”
This school is especially meaningful to Mr. Hutchins because of the history he shares with it. He was married on campus, and now his sons are students in the Middle School. He has watched the school impact countless students over the years, and considers it a place that has shaped him as an educator. Being back has allowed him to give back to the community that has given so much to him.
Looking ahead, Mr. Hutchins hopes to continue growing the sports medicine program here at Wooster and to positively impact students, helping them discover their passions.
Sadie '27
Journalism Student
