Most folks never see it, but as Williamsport Crosscutters players begin arriving at Bowman Field around 2:00 pm on game days, a pair of athletic training professionals is already at work dedicated to helping them perform at their best.

Like many other things that are a first for this inaugural MLB Draft League season, the team’s athletic training staff has not been assigned by one particular MLB team as has been the case in previous seasons. This year those duties are being undertaken by two UPMC employees whose local roots run deep. For South Williamsport High School graduates Chelsea Rieppel and Dakota Rosenberg, Bowman Field is a familiar venue.

Rieppel graduated from South Williamsport in 2015, where she earned first-team All-Conference honors playing soccer. She continued her athletic career at Lock Haven University, receiving D-II scholar-athlete recognition before graduating in 2019. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree from California University, PA., in 2020. For the past year, she has been working with St. John Neumann athletes.

Rosenberg graduated from South in 2014, where he gained both all-state soccer and Scholar All American honors. He graduated from Messiah University in 2018, earning second-team All American honors while helping the school capture the Division III National Championship in 2017.

Both credit a Susquehanna Health summer camp athletic training program they attended while in high school for sparking their interest in an athletic training career.

“I began to have interest while I was in high school. Susquehanna Health had a summer camp for athletic training, which I attended and fell in love with it,” Rieppel explained. “I went to Lock Haven, and as time went on, I loved it even more, and it was something I could see myself doing.”

Rosenberg’s story was similar. “I also attended the Susquehanna Health summer camp. When I got to college, I really enjoyed being around the athletic population and was able to shadow some individuals in the athletic training field and knew it was something I wanted to do.”

This summer with the Crosscutters is filled with long but enjoyable days.

“Our day usually begins at 1:00 pm. and typically we aren’t finished until around 11:00 pm.,” Rieppel explained. “We get them ready for their daily practice, followed by any work that’s needed to get them ready for the game. A lot of it is manual therapy and maintaining things that they are dealing with. During the game, we are responsible for dealing with any injuries that occur. The dugout camaraderie is great to be around. It is not goofing around. I’d describe it as having fun in a professional way. Then post-game, we will meet with any of players that need attention.”

In general, pitchers need more attention than position players. The duo cited shoulders and elbows, muscle tightness, and related issues dealing with everyday pitching procedures as the most common treatments they provide. Most of what they see is things the players have dealt with before and fall in the realm of baseball normalcy.

While just beginning their professional careers, both are seeing their expectations being met.

“One of my favorite things about athletic training is creating the relationships and bonds with the athlete. Just being around the players every day, helping the athletes behind the scenes and bringing them through the injury progression, and getting them back on the field is very rewarding to me. They are good people with lots of energy, and they are excited and happy to be here to pursue their dream of getting drafted by a Major League team. I’ve always loved baseball since I was little, and the games are very enjoyable to be a small part of,” Rieppel revealed.

“I really enjoy seeing the product the players exhibit on the field,” Rosenberg added. “It’s a tip of my hat to their talent and commitment and their dedication to their sport. Watching that pursuit of excellence that I see each day out on the field when they make a stellar play but make it look like they have been doing it for years. At both York College and Lock Haven, the traditional interactions of working with the athletes have met my expectations. Since I’ve been at UPMC, my understanding of athletic training has been broadened. I’ve worked with high school and college athletes and also with the clinic, which has provided an entirely new perspective.”

Asked if he saw any difference in working with high school and college athletes and the professional hopeful Cutters, Rosenberg cited respect.

“To me, the main difference is respect. In high school and college, sometimes the athletes look at the trainer as someone who is going to hinder their playing time. The Crosscutters players are very respectful. I believe they see us as another tool in their toolbox that is going to help them progress in their career. They have placed their trust in us and are appreciative for what we are able to do for them. At the high school and college level, those relationships are a bit more challenging.”

For anyone contemplating a career in athletic training, both offered their perspective.

“This is a rewarding job, but it is a lot of effort and a lot of work, and you have to really love it,” Rieppel explained. “You will spend a lot of hours away from your family. But for anyone that is interested, they need to immerse themselves and learn as much about the profession as they can from others who are in it. You don’t have to be an athlete to get into athletic training. I know several people that did not play sports in high school that got into the field and now really enjoy it.”

Rosenberg describes it “As continuing the pursuit of excellence. Whether you are in high school, college, or just considering athletic training, don’t ever develop the mindset of ‘I know enough.’ Always chase excellence in your craft to become better and have a sense of appreciation for athletic trainers, coaches and players all around.”

Indeed, both Rieppel and Rosenberg are important members of this year’s Williamsport Crosscutters team.