Brubaker Named Assistant AD For Medical Services At Illinois State

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Senior Associate Athletic Trainer Andrew Brubaker has been tabbed to take over the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Medical Services with Illinois State Athletics. Brubaker fills the role previously held by longtime head athletic trainer John Munn, who announced his retirement in June.

"It was imperative to us that we found someone who would continue the legacy of care for our student-athletes moving forward," Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs stated. "Andrew has been a vital part of our athletic training staff for many years now and has demonstrated his expertise and dedication while working with our student-athletes. He also brings a wealth of new ideas to the position that will help our athletic training staff evolve and grow in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. The health and safety of our Redbird student-athletes is an utmost priority within our department, and we look forward to Andrew's leadership in that area in the future."

Brubaker returned to Illinois State in July of 2022 to serve as the Head Football Athletic Trainer and was later promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Trainer. 

"I first want to thank Dr. Jeri Beggs, Leanna Bordner, Dr. Rob Seidl, and Dr. Karan Rai for having the trust in me to fulfill such an important role in the Athletic Department," Brubaker stated. "I also want to thank Coach Brock Spack for his guidance and belief in my abilities as a leader, both within and outside of football. Most importantly, I owe the greatest thanks to John Munn for preparing me for this role and for his continued support during the transition. John's mentorship and friendship over the last decade have been incredibly special to me. I wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement and his presence in the Athletic Department will be greatly missed. It is the honor of my life to have the opportunity to lead a staff of highly talented physicians and athletic trainers to support the medical needs of all our Redbird student-athletes.  Being a part of the Redbird family and Bloomington-Normal community since 2013, I am proud to call central Illinois home and look forward to the new opportunities within this role."

Prior to returning to Illinois State, Brubaker spent the 2021-2022 season at Lamar in Beaumont, Texas, as an Associate Athletic Trainer working with the Cardinal Football program. From 2016 to July of 2021, Brubaker worked with the Redbird Football program as an Assistant Football Athletic Trainer. That followed a stint in 2015 as a Head Football Athletic Trainer at Mount Union, where he was part of the Purple Raider's 12th NCAA National Championship team in 2015. He also covered baseball team during his tenure at Mount Union.

"Andrew has done a tremendous job working with our student-athletes over the past several years and has earned the trust and respect of everyone associated with our program," Redbird football head coach Brock Spack said. "Managing a roster of over 100 players every year and trying to keep them on the field is a daunting effort, and I think Andrew and his staff have navigated challenges extremely well over the years. His dedication and knowledge have helped our program in many ways, and his staff's work has certainly aided in our success on the field during that time. I have no doubts he will continue to lead the entire athletic training and medical services program with the same level of professionalism and commitment moving forward."

Brubaker earned his bachelor's degree in athletic training from Eastern Kentucky in 2013 and a master's degree from Illinois State in 2015. While completing his master's degree, Brubaker served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Illinois Wesleyan, covering football, track & field, cross country, tennis, and golf. 

"Andrew's experience and commitment to ISU Athletics, our medical staff and our teams has been tremendous, but I truly believe his superpower is the positive impact he has on our student-athletes, athletic training staff, and coaches," Illinois State softball head coach Tina Kramos said. "This recognition is a reflection of the dedication, leadership, and care he brings to everyone he works with."

Brubaker is a certified and licensed athletic trainer as well as a nationally certified EMT-Basic. Originally from Richmond, Kentucky, Brubaker now resides in Bloomington, Illinois.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:  Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.