1990 Dennis McMeeken
1991 Paul Zeek
1991 Billy Pickard
1992 Everett Blackburn
1993 Dennis Hart
1994 Mike Pruitt
1995 Dave Burton
1996 Rob Joyce
1997 Ron Carroll
1998 Dave Lammers
1999 Brian Conway
2000 Kathy Dieringer
2001 Mitzi Laughlin
2002 Richard Davis
2003 Melinda Terry
2004 Dan O’Connor
2005 Mike Carroll
2006 Al Wilson
2007 Gordon Graham
2008 Cory Pack
2009 Chris Hall
2010 Lorna Strong
2011 Kelley Henderson
2012 DJ Gililland
2013 Jamie Woodall
2014 Jeff Bass
2015 Cody Jenschke
2016 Kathy Dieringer
2017 Terry DeWitt
2018 Sandy Miller
2019 James ‘Bubba’ Wilson
2020 Jason Cates
2021 Scott Galloway
2022 David Traylor
2023 Chris Shaddock
2024 Paul Dunham
The SWATA “Bobby Gunn Unsung Hero Watch Award” may be, but does not have to be, given annually to a member of District 6 who has served the Association in a dedicated professional manner. This service may be on a volunteer behind the scene basis or through appointed or elected duties. Their time and talents have been for the betterment of the Association and the advancement of the profession.
Robert “Bobby” Gunn
A True Unsung Hero: Noted for his humility and work ethic, Bobby Gunn, a Houston native, was instrumental in the development of SWATA. In fact, Gunn typed the original constitution of SWATA on his typewriter in the early 1950s. He was a leading force in the development of SWATA, who without his intense dedication, leadership and focus on teamwork, would not have likely grown into the organization it is today.
Education: Gunn earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Rice Institute (University) in 1951 and a Corrective Therapy Certificate in 1955.
Professional Experience: Gunn’s first position was with the Brazosport ISD in Freeport, Texas and later the Baytown Public Schools. In 1962 he became the Head Athletic Trainer at Lamar State College of Technology (Lamar University). In 1971 he became the Head Athletic Trainer for the Washington Redskins of the NFL and later the Houston Oilers from 1972 to 1974. He later worked for the Shreveport Steamer of the World Football League in 1974. Gunn returned to Houston and completed his career as a clinical outreach athletic trainer with the Baylor hospital system.
Elected Positions:
- SWATA Vice-President, 1955-1956
- SWATA President, two consecutive terms, 1956, 1957
- Multiple NATA Committees including: Membership, Professional Advancement, Curriculum, and Olympic Selection
- District VI Director, NATA Board
- Chair, NATA Board of Directors
- President, NATA, 1970-1974
Honors and Awards:
- SWATA Hall of Fame Charter Member, 1985
- NATA Hall of Fame Member
- Athletic Trainer, 3rd Pan Am Games, Chicago, 1959
- Athletic Trainer, USA Soccer Team, Mexico City, 1964
- Head Athletic Trainer, Pan Am Games, Winnipeg, Canada, 1967
- Athletic Trainer for five Texas High School Coaches Association All Star Games
Other Contributions:
- NATA Representative to: the Joint Commission on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, American College Health Association, AMA Conference on Medical Aspects of Sports