Ray Castle, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT

A 1990 graduate of LSU, Castle has an extensive background in education, clinical practice, and professional service spanning over 32 years. Dr. Castle's clinical practice background has included experiences at the high school, college, and international (1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; USOC Sports Medicine Staff for 2003 Pan American Games; and 2004 US Women's Bobsled) levels, large-scale medical coverage and coordination, as well as extensive experience in emergency medicine. 

Castle is nationally known and recognized for his skills and contributions to advancing the athletic training profession and advocacy for sports health and safety through 200+ presentations, research projects, and publications.  He has served in various leadership roles in state, regional, and national organizations, as well as the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. 

After a 20-year stay at LSU where he was Professor and Athletic Training Program Director, Castle transitioned in August 2022 to devote his energy and passion to Action Medicine Consultants, LLC, as Owner and Chief Medical Officer since 2012. His company provides sports medicine event coordination; emergency medicine and response training; EAP development and audits for organizations; and continuing education courses. One of his most recent activities was serving as a consultant for the Louisiana High School Athletics Association in the development and implementation of its Pre-Game Administrative Conference (PAC), or “medical time-out” program. He currently serves as medical coordinator for over 40 large-scale events in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Ronnie Harper, EdD, LAT, ATC, NREMT

Dr. Ronnie Harper, Ed.D., LAT, ATC, NREMT, stands out as a prominent leader and advisor in the Athletic Training profession, offering his expertise on both local and national scales. Serving as a key member of the NATA Secondary School Committee for District IX, Ronnie's influential efforts played a pivotal role in the inception of the Athletic Training Location and Services Project (ATLAS) and the Safe Sports School Awards (SSSA). Furthermore, he's a principal author for the NATA's Appropriate Medical Care Standards document and its associated online tool, which serves as guidance for ensuring adequate medical care for Secondary School Aged Athletes.

With a distinguished 15-year career in higher education, Dr. Harper has tenure at institutions such as Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama, and Southeastern Louisiana University. During his tenure at Southeastern Louisiana University, he was appointed as the Assistant Professor and spearheaded their CAATE Accredited Athletic Training Education Program. An alumnus of Mississippi State University, Ronnie boasts both a bachelor's and master’s degree from there, and furthered his academic pursuits with a Doctorate in Education from the University of Alabama, specializing in Health and Human Performance Studies.

His dedication to the field also extends to active participation in the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association (LATA), notably contributing to the Hall of Fame committee. His remarkable achievement of being inducted into the LATA Hall of Fame in 2013 stands as a testament to his dedication and commitment. This dedication was further recognized in 2018 when he was honored with the District IX High School Athletic Trainer of the Year Award.