In collaboration with Winneshiek Medical Center, the Luther College Athletic Department will have two new athletic trainers for the upcoming academic year: David Kragness, ATC, LAT, NASM-PES, NASM/CES; and McKinley Lillegraven, MS, LAT, ATC.
Kragness will serve as the new head athletic trainer for the Norse. He received a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the Minnesota State University in Mankato. Kragness has served in the field of Athletic Training since 2005, with experience in professional and collegiate athletic programs, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Winona State University, South Dakota State University and most recently, Wartburg College. He is certified by the Iowa Board of Athletic Training and began his role at Luther College in July 2022.
Lillegraven, a Decorah native, is returning to her hometown to care for Norse athletes. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation Studies and her Master of Athletic Training from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Her athletic training experience includes football, volleyball, wrestling and men’s basketball programs for UNI, a Division 1 school.
Returning athletic trainers for the 2022/23 academic year include: Amber Suckow, MS, LAT, ATC; Maggie Vihovde, MEd, LAT, ATC; and Whitney Pavlat, MS, LAT, ATC.
Kragness says, “I am excited to join both the WMC and Luther College Athletics teams. As we move into this athletic season, I look forward to the progression of this partnership and to being a member of both organizations for years to come.”
Luther College Athletic Training is dedicated to providing the highest quality of professional health care and services to student athletes with a commitment to enhancing their collegiate athletic experience and ensuring their overall health and safety. Collaborating with Winneshiek Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System Decorah Clinic Physicians, they respond to the health care needs of student athletes by providing excellent emergency and clinical care on location and in the training room.
Renae Hartl, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Luther College, says, “The addition of David and McKinley to our Sports Medicine team will enhance the student-athlete experience immediately. The new partnership between WMC and Luther has started on a great note with these two hires and I am excited to see our team come together this month as all our fall teams arrive.” For more information on Luther College Athletics, visit www.luthernorse.com. To learn more about Winneshiek Medical Center, visit www.winmedical.org.
