Northern Michigan University Athletics Head Athletic Trainer and alumnus Jason Laxo is one of nine NMU 2022 Excellence in Service Award recipients for his perseverance and dedication to helping the Wildcat sports teams remain healthy, safe and on the field of competition during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid safety procedures and testing requirements set by the NCAA, as well as the GLIAC, WCHA and CCHA have been strict, and the pressure that comes with helping students affected and isolating due to Covid made Laxo's job complex and difficult at times.
“Jason has handled each obstacle with relative calm and thorough precision,” stated his nomination. “This award's name ‘Excellence in Service' is a perfect description of the work Jason Laxo has done during the pandemic. He is truly deserving of being recognized for all that he has done to support Wildcat Athletics, the NMU Health Center and Northern Michigan University in general.”
Laxo, as well as his staff, stepped up in ways that went well beyond the job throughout the pandemic, especially as it relates to helping with the university's Covid testing and isolation/quarantine needs.
In addition to taking care of student-athletes, coaches and team personnel during the pandemic, Laxo has had to deal with staffing shortages due to Covid as well, leaving a lean staff “downright paper thin at times.”
Laxo is in his fourth year as a certified/licensed athletic trainer at NMU. He graduated from NMU's undergraduate athletic training program and graduate exercise science program.