MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Chris Lapole, who spent the past year as an assistant athletic trainer, has been promoted to interim assistant athletic director & director of sports medicine. He will now serve as the primary contact for football, while overseeing all aspects of the department.
Lapole served as the Morehead State men’s basketball trainer in 2011-12. He also assisted all athletic training staff assistants, graduate assistants and undergraduate students.
“Chris did a fantastic job last year, and we’re excited about the opportunity to promote him,” said Assistant Athletic Director Sara Larson, who chaired the search. “Chris has a wealth of experience in athletic training, and we know he will do an excellent job leading our operation.”
Prior to arriving at Morehead State, Lapole spent nearly three years (2009-11) as a surgical first assistant and athletic trainer for Specialty Orthopaedics in Louisville, Ky.
Lapole previously spent 10 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds organization, serving as athletic trainer for the Billings Mustangs (1999), Clinton Lumberkings (2000), Mudville Nine (2001), Stockton Ports (2002), Potomac Cannons (2003), Chattanooga Lookouts (2004) and Louisville Bats (2005-08).
The 34-year-old worked four Major League Spring Trainings with the Reds and joined the big league club each September during his Triple-A years. He also worked the Arizona Fall League in 2006 and was honored as the International League’s Trainer of the Year in 2008.
In addition to his accolades, Lapole was invited to two All-Star Games as a trainer. He worked the Double-A Southern League contest in 2004 and Triple-A International League affair in 2008.
“I want to sincerely thank all of the people who were involved in this decision,” Lapole said. “We have a talented and dedicated group of employees in athletic training at MSU, and it’s an honor to become their new leader. I’m looking forward to the weeks and months ahead.”
Lapole earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Marshall in 1998. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in wellness promotion and sport science at MSU. He also earned an orthopaedic technologist certification in 2006 and surgical first assistant certification in 2008.
A native of Huntington, W.Va., Lapole is a member of three professional associations -- National Surgical Assistants (NSAA), National Orthopaedic Technologists (NAOT) and National Athletic Trainers (NATA).
Lapole is married to the former Erica Rockel of Barboursville, W.Va. The couple has one son, Chase.
