Longtime trainer Greg Lowrance 'valued' as part of Lubbock ISD Athletics Hall of Honor class

Athletic training started as an avenue for Greg Lowrance to pursue college, but it became much more.

Drawn by the uniforms that designated student trainers at Andrew High School, Lowrance joined the program. It didn't take long for his interest to grow. Lowrance rode that passion to a 45-plus year career.

One of his greatest rewards was feeling his work was appreciated. There's no better display than the historic move by the Lubbock ISD Athletics Hall of Honor. On Saturday, Lowrance will be the first athletic trainer inducted.

"I was surprised," Lowrance said, "the fact that all the others have been athletes and coaches. I think it's a good thing to be valued in that way, as somebody that's worked with athletics, that they see our value."

Lowrance worked for LISD from 1972-2017, save a short period away because of health reasons in 2003. The longtime district coordinator of athletic trainers returned to part-time work in 2004 as assistant trainer at the central training room. He began his time with the district as Lubbock High's trainer in 1972.

Curiousity led Lowrance into the profession. He wondered what the kids in all-white were doing running onto the field during timeouts to distribute water. When a former coach from his time in Amarillo became athletic trainer at Andrews, Lowrance decided to sign up.

"Shortly after I started doing it, I really liked it," Lowrance said. "I wasn't good enough to play sports, but I really enjoyed working with athletes. So the longer I did it, I enjoyed what I did. I enjoyed being useful. I enjoyed the satisfaction of working with injured athletes. … I just enjoyed the whole experience."

Lowrance said he relied on student training to get a much-needed scholarship. He realized before he got to Lubbock Christian University in 1968 that he wanted to stay on the career path.

He transferred to Texas Tech after one year because he needed an apprenticeship under a licensed trainer. Lowrance had been the only trainer on campus at LCU.

He's built tight-knit relationships throughout the years in Lubbock. Those are among Lowrance's most cherished takeaways from the profession.

"Several" of Lowrance's past hires will be make up the entourage of about 23 attending his induction Saturday. Some, including Shelly Macias, still work for LISD.

"Most of our trainers that we hired, even back in those early days, they stayed here," Lowrance said. "… There's so few of us that you really form close bonds with each other."

Lowrance still carries pride in his athletic-trainer days. He "thank goodness" never had to perform life-saving measures, but knows many trainers in LISD who have. He said that's a prime example of the importance of the profession.

"To me it just speaks to how much athletic trainers are needed," Lowrance said, "and confirms the value of an athletic trainer. … It's nice to be valued."