Dec. 13, 2002

Moraga, CA - Saint Mary's College Director of Athletics, Carl R. Clapp, announced today the hiring of Ryan Cobb as the new Head Athletic Trainer for Gael Athletics. Cobb will begin his tenure at Saint Mary's effective January 6, 2003.

"We are excited to add Ryan Cobb to the Saint Mary's College family," commented Clapp. "Ryan's knowledge, experience, and integrity will make him an outstanding Head Athletic Trainer. His superior skills in servicing student-athletes complements the Lasallian principles the College embraces."

Cobb comes to Saint Mary's with over 14 years of experience in the area of athletic training. Having worked at both the professional and collegiate levels, Cobb has provided care for athletes at the highest levels. He comes to Saint Mary's from Vanderbilt University where he served as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the past year. At Vanderbilt, Cobb's responsibilities included providing care for the baseball team, as well as assisting with both the football and women's track and field teams.

"I cannot wait to get on campus and start helping the student-athletes on a day-to-day basis, and helping with all the opportunities and challenges we will meet in the future," stated Cobb. "Saint Mary's has a proud academic and athletic tradition that I am thrilled to build on in my new position. The chance to serve such fine student-athletes and work alongside people who are dedicated to the College is a unique opportunity for me."

Prior to his time at Vanderbilt, Cobb served a five-year stint at the University of California from 1997 to 2002. He began his time at California as a graduate assistant in 1997 before moving into a full-time position in 1999. While at Cal, he served two years as the Director of the Student Athletic Training Program, and worked with the football, men's and women's gymnastics, and women's volleyball teams. Additional training experience included internships with both the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League.

Cobb graduated Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University in 1997 earning a bachelor's degree in Human and Organizational Development. During his undergraduate years, he spent four years as a student athletic trainer. Cobb then earned a Master's of Science degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology from California State University, Hayward in 2001.

Cobb will replace Chris Jacobson, who resigned after 20 years to take a position with Mueller Sports Medicine.