Millersville

Induction Speech Video

J. Rodney Bimson was a pioneer in the field of athletic training at Millersville. Now, athletic training is synonymous with collegiate athletics, but when Bimson arrived on campus in 1959 that wasn’t the case. Through his work in the field, he left an enduring impact on student-athletes who have gone on to productive careers in the athletic training profession.

Bimson graduated earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Chester and graduated from the school of allied medical professions at the University of Pennsylvania before landing a job as a part-time athletic trainer at Millersville in 1959. From 1963 until his retirement in 1996, he served the athletic department as its head trainer, and he held responsibility for all varsity sports from 1963-85. He was the first to recognize a need for athletic training for women’s athletics.

In addition to his training duties, Bimson was an associate professor of health and physical education from 1963-96. He served the health and physical education department on several committees and initiated new courses including fitness walking, fly fishing, and the medical and legal aspects of coaching. He retired as an associate professor emeritus.

Bimson also coached the men’s swimming team from 1963-65 and guided the wrestling program from 1965-68.

Bimson and his wife Barbara L. Bimson have been married 53 years and currently reside in Homestead Village in Lancaster, Pa. The couple has a son and a daughter. Their son Steven is a family physician in Harleysville. Their daughter Brenda Bimson Badis is a doctor of physical therapy and works with an IU unit in Chester County.