YATES TO INTERN AT DISNEY SPORTS COMPLEX

LINDSBORG, Kan.— Disney's Wide World of Sports complex has selected Bethany College senior Brian Yates, Riverton, Wyo., for an athletic training summer internship in Orlando, Fla.

During the internship, Yates will assess injuries to athletes at all levels of play in a variety of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and track and field.

The 200-acre Wide World of Sports complex is one of the world's premier sports destinations, hosting more than 170 amateur and professional events each year. The complex is a place where athletes can compete and experience the same world-class facilities used by some of the best athletes in the world. The complex sponsors sports competitions such as marathons, national golf tournaments, the World Baseball Classic and national cheerleading championships. The athletic trainers will be on hand at these events to provide initial injury assessment.

"This summer will be a great experience for me personally and as an athletic trainer. I am excited to work with athletic trainers on such a high level and will have the opportunity to meet some great contacts," Yates said.

Yates was selected for the internship after Disney officials evaluated his academics and conducted a phone interview. Yates will be one of four athletic-training interns at the Wide World of Sports Complex this summer.

After completion of his internship, Yates plans to work for a year as an athletic trainer then apply to graduate school to become a physician's assistant.

Yates applied for the internship upon recommendation from Bethany College Assistant Athletic Trainer Drew Erks. Erks was an intern at the Wide World of Sports Complex in spring 2002 following the completion of his bachelor's from Wayne State (Neb.)

"I believe the Bethany College athletic training department has prepared Brian for his future endeavors. This internship, however, will teach Brian many things that cannot be taught in a classroom or from a book," Erks said.

When Erks was asked why he recommended this internship opportunity to Yates, Erks said that "Brian does a great job for us in the athletic-training department at Bethany. I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for Brian to grow as a professional."

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service.

-30-

CONTACT: Colene Lind, (785) 227-3380, ext. 8122