Sports Medicine Staff and Physicians Head Athletic Trainer (Football)
865-974-9098 | Email Jason McVeigh was promoted to the position of Head Athletic Trainer at the end of 2006 spring practice. The 32-year-old McVeigh has been on the Tennessee sports medicine staff since 1999, when he was named Director of Rehabilitation. He has spent the last seven years directly overseeing the comeback of all Volunteer athletes from surgery and other injuries. "I am eager for the opportunity and look forward to putting together a great staff to make sure we have the best teams on the field we possibly can have," McVeigh said. "Working in the athletics department the last seven years, I feel I have developed a good relationship with our team physicians, our coaching staffs and our student- athletes." McVeigh graduated Summa Cum Laude from UT in 1996 with a B.S. degree biology. He then went on to receive his master's in physical therapy from Duke University in 1999. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., McVeigh graduated from Jonesborough's David Crockett High in 1992. He is married to the former Jennifer Bruorton of Marietta, Ga., and they are the parents of twins, a son, Carson, and a daughter, Caitlin. Back to Top
Director of Rehabilitation
865-974-1900 | Email John Dean was hired as the Director of Rehabilitation and an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the men's athletic department in July 2006. Prior to coming to Tennessee, Dean was an Assistant Athletic Trainer for football at the University of Florida, where he was also an instructor in the Applied Physiology & Kinesiology Program teaching a course in Rehabilitation. He was previously an athletic trainer at the University of Southern California with the football and baseball programs. Dean graduated from San Diego State University in 2000 with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and athletic training. He earned his Master's degree in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002. He and his wife Kris live in Knoxville. Back to Top
Robb Duncanson, MEd, ATC, CSCS Associate Athletic Trainer (Football)
865-974-1359 | Email Robb Duncanson joined the Vols in Aug, 2006 as associate athletic trainer for football after serving four years on the training staff at the University of South Florida. Duncanson was assistant football athletic trainer at USF for three years before being promoted to the associate level in July 2005. He was responsible for the Bulls' daily football medical operations along with game and travel logistics. Prior to his tenure with USF, Duncanson served three months with the Louisville Fire of the Arena2 Football League and was a seasonal assistant athletic trainer for the New York Jets from May 2001 to February 2002. He also served as a summer assistant with the New York Football Giants in 1997. A 1999 sports science graduate of Elmira College in New York, Duncanson earned his master's in sports administration at the University of Louisville in 2001. He was named Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2005 and received the President's Backbone award in 2004, both by the Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida. Duncanson has spoken nationally and authored articles on several topics, including aquatic therarpy and heat illness. Married to the former Carrie Clark, Duncanson has one daughter, Avery. Back to Top
Associate Athletic Trainer (Basketball)
865-974-1901 | Email Chattanooga native Chad Newman is an Associate Trainer on the men's athletic training staff. Newman directs the training efforts on behalf of the Vol basketball squad in addition to working with Tennessee's cheerleading and dance squads. Newman, who first joined the Tennessee training staff in a full-time role in 1997, was no stranger to the UT training room, having served as a volunteer student trainer and a graduate assistant before his appointment. He earned his B.S. in exercise science from UT in 1994 and completed his master's in kinesiology in May 1997. A member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Newman spends his free time training his pet squirrel Dingo how to water ski. Newman is married to the former Stacey Perry. The couple has a daughter, Katherine. Back to Top
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Baseball)
865-974-1902 | Email Certified athletic trainer Jeff Wood begins his eighth season with the Tennessee baseball team in 2008. Wood's thorough knowledge of kinesiology and sports medicine has routinely earned him the praise of being one of the best trainers at any level of baseball. "Woody," as he is known in the clubhouse, arrived at Tennessee boasting numerous years of professional experience as a baseball trainer, including a 10-year stint as a certified trainer in the Baltimore Orioles organization (which included a four-year stint as head trainer for the class-AAA Rochester Red Wings). In addition, he has worked with the Bluefield Orioles rookie-league team, the Charlotte O's class-AA club, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), NASCAR and PRCA professional rodeos. In 1987, Wood was named Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs. He also has been invited to give numerous professional presentations on topics ranging from "Care and Prevention of the Potentially Cervical Spine Injured Athlete" to "Shoulder Injuries Associated with The Overhand Throwing. The Winfield, W.Va., native has earned a bachelor's degree in Education from Marshall (1984) and a master's in Exercise science from Tennessee (2002). He is certified by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification and the State of Tennessee and also holds membership in the Tennessee Athletic Trainers' Society. Wood and his wife, the former Malinda Gray, reside in Clinton, Tenn., with their sons, Jordan, Lucas and Zachary. Back to Top
Dr. Christopher Klenck Internist (Team Physician)
865-974-1231 | Email Dr. Chris Klenck was named to the post of team physician in Nov. 2006 following a primary care sports medicine fellowship at Indiana University Medical Center. He served the Indianapolis hospital since June 2001 in the positions of internal medicine/pediatrics intern, internal medicine/pediatrics resident and internal medicine/pediatrics chief resident. During his fellowship training, Klenck was an assistant team physician for the Indianapolis Colts preseason training camps, an assistant team physician at Purdue University, his alma mater and worked the NFL Scouting Combines in Indianapolis. He has NCAA championships experience and served as a team physician in the Indiana high school ranks. An Evansville, Ind., native, Klenck earned his doctor of pharmacy degree from Purdue before completing his doctor of medicine degree at Indiana University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and America College of Sports Medicine. Klenck is married to the former Laura Botto of Dayton, Ohio. They are the parents of three children: Jacob, Ben and Ella. Back to Top
Dr. Greg Mathien Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Gregory Mathien was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and attended the State University of New York in Syracuse for both of his undergraduate and medical degrees, as well as his surgical internship and orthopedic residency. In 1991, Mathien came to Knoxville for the Sports Medicine Fellowship under the direction of Dr. William T. Youmans. During his fellowship, KOC recruited him to remain as a KOC surgeon and help expand the KOC sports medicine program, enhancing the care of injured athletes, and to assist in the training of future sports medicine fellows. Mathien currently serves as Orthopedic Consultant/Team Physician for the University of Tennessee athletic programs, which involves caring for both the UT men's and women's athletes in all sports. He also serves as team physician for the Tennessee Smokies minor league baseball team and as a consultant to Lincoln Memorial University. Also, Mathien has acted as team physician to the Knoxville Cherokees, Knoxville Speed, and now as orthopedic consultant to the Ice Bears hockey team. He has obtained an adjunct assistant professorship in the University of Tennessee Department of Human Performance and Sports Studies and lectures there on a regular basis. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and is a member of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine. Back to Top
Dr. Russell Betcher Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Russell Betcher began his practice with the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic in 1998 after completing his Fellowship in Sports Medicine with KOC the previous year. Betcher specializes in Sports Medicine, focusing on arthroscopy to include the shoulder, knee, hip and elbow. He is a member of various orthopedic organizations including the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Betcher is very involved within the local sports community. He is an orthopedic consultant to the University of Tennessee men's and women's Athletic Departments, the Tennessee Smokies and the Knoxville Ice Bears. Back to Top
Dr. Robert Ivy Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Robert Ivy was born in Vicksburg, Miss., and attended Stanford University obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in 1983. He was awarded the prestigious Justin Potter Academic Scholarship to Vanderbilt Medical School and received his medical degree in 1988. Ivy was elected to the Alpha Omicron Alpha medical honor society. Ivy began his post-graduate education with a one year general surgical internship at Vanderbilt. He continued his education with four-year residency program in orthopedic surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Ivy completed his training with a one year fellowship in hand and micro-vascular surgery at the nationally renowned Indiana Hand Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Ivy joined Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic in 1994. He sub-specializes in the treatment of hand and elbow disorders. Ivy has been selected by his peers to the "Best Doctors in America." He is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and has obtained the Certificate for Added Qualification for Surgery of the Hand. Ivy is a member of multiple medical societies including the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Back to Top
Dr. Michael Petty Chiropractor Dr. Michael Petty began his affiliation with the University of Tennessee athletic department in 1996 when he began working with the football team. He served the squad in the SEC championship seasons of 1997 and the national championship season of 1998. Petty added Tennessee track and field responsibilities in 1999, when he accompanied the Volunteers to the NCAA outdoor championships in Boise, Idaho. Petty is U.S. National Board Certified in Chiropractic, Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (C.C.E.P.) as well as being licensed in the states of Tennessee and Florida. He is a member of American Chiropractic Association, Tennessee Chiropractic Association and Florida Chiropractic Association. In 2004, he was selected as a team physician for the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials. Petty is originally from Shelbyville, Tenn. He completed pre-med at Tennessee in 1983 and was valedictorian of Life Chiropractic College in 1986, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Petty has been in private practice at Concord Chiropractic Clinic in Farragut, Tenn., since then. He is married to the former Frances Hanks, a graduate from Tennessee in 1979. Back to Top
Dr. Bill Youmans Physician Emeritus Dr. William Youmans first moved to Tennessee from his native Tifton, Ga. to attend Vanderbilt University, where he graduated from medical school and completed his orthopedic training. In 1968, after two years as a Navy Surgeon at Camp LeJune, he joined KOC and began work with Dr. Bob Brashear in the care of University of Tennessee athletes. Since then, Youmans has provided the orthopedic care for all the Tennessee athletic programs and has been the orthopedic consultant to numerous local colleges, universities, and high schools. Youmans has contributed enormously to the growth of the field of sports medicine and was among the first orthopedists to employ the techniques of arthroscopic surgery. He has accumulated one of the world's largest experiences with surgery done through the arthroscope and sponsored a one-year sports medicine fellowship from 1990 through 2003 for orthopedic surgeons who wanted to subspecialize in sports medicine. Youmans is board certified in orthopedics by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He has been active in many orthopedic and sports medicine organizations including the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the International Society of the Knee. He has presented numerous papers before these and other organizations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Back to Top
Dr. Robert Rubright Physician Emeritus Prior to his arrival at the University of Tennessee in 1970, Dr. Robert Rubright served four years as a Navy Hospital Corpsman during WWII. He was an undergraduate and medical student at Indiana University and a partner in a multispecialty/family practice clinic for 14 years in his hometown of Hammond, Ind. In the early 1970s, Dr. Rubright and several physicians around the country, most of who were involved in college health, saw the need for involvement in athletic medicine by primary care professionals. As a consequence of those early efforts, we now have now have fellowship trained primary care sports medicine specialists. These physicians in concert with their orthopedic colleagues continue to enhance the care and treatment of athletes at all levels of competition. Dr. Rubright is a fellow and life member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, an honorary member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association and most proudly, an honorary letterman of the University of Tennessee Athletic Department. "Doc" and his wife, Eddy, who is known and loved by so many athletic department coaches and staff, have three children (one deceased) four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Now retired, they envoy their continued association with UT athletics when not traveling to various parts of the world. Back to Top
John G. Karnes, DPh Pharmacist In Charge Dr. John Karnes is the pharmacist in charge for UT Department of Sports Medicine, and is a Knoxville native. Dr. Karnes completed his pre-pharmacy training at the University of Tennessee, and graduated from the UT College of Pharmacy in 1955. Dr. Karnes began his practice of pharmacy on the UT strip in January 1956, where he practiced pharmacy until 1990 when he sold his business. Dr. Karnes then practiced pharmacy as a supervisor and pharmacist in charge for several area pharmacies. Dr. Karnes became the pharmacist for UT men's athletics in 1974. For many years he was also the pharmacist for the Lady Vols. In 1978, while working with legendary UT head trainer Tim Kerin, he established the first in-house state licensed pharmacy in NCAA Division I Sports, and it has been in operation since. The in-house pharmacy has enabled UT's Team Physicians to have consistent, reliable access to prescription medications for their student-athletes' needs, and has become a model for universities nationwide. Dr. Karnes also does photography at UT football and basketball games and is an honorary Letterman. He is married to the former Betty Mynatt of Maryville, Tenn., whom he met at UT. They married in 1954 and they have four children and eight grandchildren. Back to Top
Graduate Assistants Amber Singleton, ATC TBA
865-974-1231 | Email
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Chad Stefano, ATC Football, Tennis
865-974-1231 | Email Chad Stefano joined the Sports Medicine Department in June 2006 as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for football and tennis. A native of Macon, Ga., Stefano graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Science in Health Education, concentration in athletic training, from Georgia College and State University (Milledgeville, Ga.) in May 2005, and is progressing towards a Master's of Science in Sport Psychology, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2008. While working towards his undergraduate degree, Stefano worked as a summer intern with the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL in August 2004; upon graduation, Stefano was employed as a 2005 summer intern with the Falcons, a 2005 Fall League intern with the Atlanta Braves of MLB, and as an intern with the Braves during spring training 2006. Stefano is currently a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA), the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society (TATS), and the Georgia Athletic Trainers Association (GATA). Back to Top
Nick O'Neal, ATC Swimming and Diving
865-974-1231 | Email Nick O'Neal joined the Sports Medicine Department in June 2006 as the Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for swimming and diving. A native of Irvine, Calif., O'Neal received his Bachelor's of Arts in Kinesiology, emphasis in athletic training, from Chapman University in Orange, Calif., in May 2003, and is currently progressing towards a Master's of Science in Sport Studies, concentration in sport management, at Tennessee. O'Neal has previously served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, Calif., for 2005-2006, worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Harlem Globetrotters during their 2006 season, and from 2002 to 2006 served as an Athletic Trainer for the L.A. Heat of the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL) in Culver City, Calif. O'Neal holds memberships in the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA), the Far West Athletic Trainers Association (FWATA), the California Athletic Trainers Association (CATA), and is a first responder for the Knoxville Volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad. Back to Top
Mark Dutton Track and Field
865-974-1231 | Email Mark Dutton joined the Sports Medicine Department in June 2007 as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for men's track and field and men's cross country. A native of Gloucester, Va., Dutton graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Athletic Training from James Madison University in May 2007, and is progressing towards a Master's of Science in Sport Studies, concentration in sport management, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2009. Dutton is currently a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association (MAATA), and the Virginia Athletic Trainers Association (VATA). Back to Top
Shannen Robinson, ATC Cheer and Dance
865-974-1231 | Email Shannen Robinson joined the Sports Medicine Department in June 2007 as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for cheerleading and dance. A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Robinson graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science, concentration in athletic training, from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in May 2007, and is currently pursuing a Master's of Science in Sport Studies, concentration in sport management, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2009. Robinson is currently a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). Back to Top
Training Room Operations
865-974-1231 | Email A native of Aiken, S.C., Jeff DeWitt has served as the Administrative Graduate Assistant for Training Room Operations, coordinating Insurance/Medical Claims and Logistics and Transportation for Football-Related Activities, since August 2005. A second-generation graduate of Tennessee, DeWitt obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Aerospace Engineering in May 2005, and received a Master's of Science in Sport Studies, concentration in sport management, in May 2007. DeWitt worked as a student athletic trainer in the Sports Medicine Department from September 2000 through July 2005, primarily with football and baseball, serving as Head Student Athletic Trainer in the department for the 2004-2005 academic year. During his time at Tennessee, DeWitt has assisted in the coverage of numerous SEC and NCAA championship events held on campus, as well as five postseason bowl games and the 2005 NCAA College World Series. Back to Top | 
