University of Minnesota Athletics
Behind The Scenes: Trainer Roger Schipper
3/2/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The University of Minnesota basketball program has seen a myriad of players leave via graduation over the last 25 years. There have also been six different coaches to pace the raised Barn floor but the one constant has been the head athletic trainer Roger Schipper. Schipper, who has treated more than 350 Gopher basketball players during his tenure, is celebrating his silver anniversary at the University of Minnesota after holding similar positions at Worthington CC, Rochester CC and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Q: What brought you to the University of Minnesota?
A: “I was up for the job the year before and I didn’t get it but the head trainer at the time (Jim Marshall) said if they had another opening they would take me. The next year, the men’s basketball position opened up and he asked me if I was interested. They said I was second in line for the football spot with Lou Holtz and they didn’t want to do another search. Jim Dutcher, who was the head coach at the time, approved and I got the job.”
Q: You have worked for a number of coaches during your tenure. What stands out about each of them?
A: “The one constant thing is once they crossed that line and get on the floor they were all business. You get to know your coaches, but once they get across that line they want to get things done. They have all been extremely driven to get the job done. They have all treated me with respect and know that I have a job to do.”
Q: Does one certain player stand out as your favorite?
A: “They all stand out in a certain way. You really can’t single one guy out. Once you single a guy out you are going to end up going down the line. The players are always special. I hope I touch their heart like some of them touched mine.”
Q: Do you have a most memorable moment?
A: “Not one game in particular. I have seen some tight wins and some tight losses. I enjoy the games were the players have left it all on the floor.”
Q: Injuries are part of the game. What is the worst you have had to treat?
A: “You obviously don’t want anyone to get hurt, but that’s what we as athletic trainers are here for. Off the bat I think of the ones where someone broke a bone or tore something. I think of when Mike Bauer broke his arm at Purdue (during the 2001 season) and when J.B. Bickerstaff broke his leg twice (2000 and 2001). You look at the other aspect of not just the injury, but the mental side of it and how they have to fight through those injuries and the rehabilitation that is involved. People never think of that when these young athletes come through not only with the injury but also the mental side of it.”
Q: Many Hall of Fame coaches have walked the sidelines of the Big Ten in your time. Who is your favorite opposing Big Ten Coach?
A: “Gene Keady comes to mind, because I developed a relationship with him over the years. He is a pretty special guy. Steve Yoder, when he was at Wisconsin, I got to know him a little bit. Dr. Tom (Davis)from Iowa as well.”
Q: What is your favorite Big Ten city to travel to?
A: “As far as pure excitement from the arena and the town, I would have to say Columbus. It is pretty neat with all they have going on there. What they built as far as their arenas and stadiums with the traditions they have built, Ohio State sticks out. I think when you go to the smaller schools and smaller towns, like Champaign and West Lafayette, there is a great college feeling there too.”
Q: There have been many facility upgrades in recent history but what is your favorite opposing gym that is no longer being used?
A: “I like the old St. John Arena at Ohio State. Also, Michigan State used to play at the old Jenison Field house. That building allowed for some great atmosphere.”
Q: Do you have a favorite team in your tenure?
A: “They all have something different as far as wins and losses and the camaraderie. I look at my first year (1985-86) here with losing all of those players and the incident that happened that year, so the iron five stands out in my mind a lot.”
Q: You have now been with Tubby for three seasons. Do you have a best moment to this point?
A: “I have really enjoyed getting to know him on a one-on-one basis as a friend. He is a wonderful human being.”
Q: You have also been part of the preseason tournaments. Any site stand out?
“It’s really neat to watch the kids when they have seen all these big tournaments on TV and then they get there and see what it’s like. Sometimes it’s two different things, but it’s still a game of basketball and there is a game to play. As far as being on the beach in Hawaii and then to the cold in Alaska, it is what you put into it as well as what you get out of it.”
Q: You have taken a picture with the seniors every year. How did that start?
A: “My first year I did a thing with the two seniors we had from the Iron Five and I took one of their action shots and had them sign it. Then it was guys like Tim Hanson and Kim Zurcher. They were the guys who turned out to be the building blocks of the Clem Haskins era and I just wanted to get a picture with them. That is kind of how it started.”
Q: You spend much of the game on the corner of the court by the Minnesota bench. Were you able to secure that section of floor when it was replaced?
“Not yet. I’m working on that.”
Q: You have given a lot in your years at the U. What do you want your legacy to be?
A: “I want to be known as fair trainer and that I showed a lot of compassion. It has always been said that the keys to being a good trainer is that you have to care about your athletes, and of course, know your stuff too. My dad always said that being fair is the most important thing. If you are fair to people and try to help them out, point them in the right direction then it will all work out.”
