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Kavagnagh HOF

Frank J. (Doc) Kavanagh

  • Class
  • Induction
    1979
  • Sport(s)
    Special Category

He revolutionized athletic training in this country thanks to the insatiable desire to protect athletes from injury through improved equipment. Among his innovations were suspension-type helmets; safer cleats in football, baseball and track; wrestling mats; better fitting hockey pads; headgear in other sports. He was a U.S. trainer in the 1936 Olympics and was a prime mover behind the organization of the National Athletic Trainers Association. He was also a pioneer in using pre-game calisthenics to warm up the football team.

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