The following blog comes from one of our students and was originally published in an issue of Hilltopics.

Mr. Tyler McFadzen left the Hill four years ago as a SLS graduate, and now he is back as one of the newest members of the staff. He has filled a position that SLS has been lacking for a few years: athletic trainer. His job is to assist the students who have any injury and get them back to full health and so far he has done just that.

Mr. McFadzen’s day begins around 8 a.m. Because Mr. McFadzen lives on campus, he has no commute and can begin his work right away. The first thing he usually accomplishes is bringing students to medical appointments that have been scheduled in the local areas. If there are no appointments, he spends his time studying hard for his graduate exam, working out, making recovery plans for students. Around 3:00 p.m. during the student’s study hall, he becomes available to the students to come see him with any injuries they have. After school, he watches the sports practices and ensures that the students stay safe and healthy.

Mr. McFadzen realized he wanted to go into athletic training during his time as a student at SLS. He recalls that the athletic trainer at the time, Jeff Barnes, was very knowledgeable. Mr. McFadzen stated, “I would point to a part of my body that hurt and he would know exactly what was wrong with me. It was so cool.” At that time, Mr. McFadzen knew he wanted to go into an orthopedic career, but this gave him a clear direction. He graduated from SLS and went to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. After his final year, he was looking at the job boards for athletic trainers in Wisconsin and saw that Saint Lawrence was by far the best choice. So he came back to the place where his dream started.

When asked what his favorite part of the job was he responded, “I love working one-on-one with the students, figuring out what’s wrong is like fitting together the pieces of a puzzle.” Anybody could see that he loves working with the students, it’s clear from how gladly he serves them and how available he is to them.

Everyone is thankful that Mr. McFadzen has elected to become part of the SLS staff. Though he has been here for less than a year, his care for the students and enthusiasm toward the school is clearly evident. His presence positively contributes to the well-being of the Hilltoppers, both literally and figuratively. With his dedication and affection, Mr. McFadzen is the essential addition to the joyful 2019-2020 school year on the Hill.

St. Lawrence Seminary is an all boys Catholic boarding school located in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin. We welcome students from Minnesota, Illinois and across the United States. Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Lawrence Seminary provides a residential college preparatory education in a living Catholic community nurturing mature, well-rounded men of faith. See if St. Lawrence is right for you and your son.