If you’ve watched either Quarterback or Receiver, Netflix’s hit documentary series spotlighting NFL players in those pivotal positions, you understand just how crucial the athletic training teams are to these superstar athletes’ ability to perform at their best week after week. This level of care is equally essential for Morningside University student-athletes, benefiting from a dedicated group of athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals committed to maintaining their health both in-season and during the off-season. At the forefront of this care are Dr. Ryan Meis ’95, a sports medicine physician with CNOS, and Katy Burford, the university’s on-staff athletic trainer. Their expertise and unwavering commitment play a significant role in fostering an environment where Morningside’s athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

DR. RYAN MEIS
Dr. Ryan Meis ’95 has a unique and serendipitous connection to Morningside University. Initially committed to Tulane University in New Orleans, his journey shifted paths when he met Morningside admissions counselors at a college fair during high school. “It was honestly a bit of an accident that I wound up at Morningside,” he recalls. Encouraged by their high medical school placement rates and with the endorsement of his high school baseball coach, who was friends with the then-Morningside Head Baseball Coach Jim Scholten, Dr. Meis took a chance on the university. A subsequent campus visit and time spent with the baseball team solidified his decision, paving the way for a fulfilling college experience and career path.

Reflecting on his time as a student-athlete, Dr. Meis shares, “I cannot even begin to say enough good things about my experience at Morningside.” The bonds formed with teammates and the commitment required for collegiate athletics created lasting relationships he cherishes. His involvement extended beyond baseball; he participated in the Science Club and mentoring programs, and even won flag football championships in both Iowa and South Dakota with fellow teammates. These experiences not only shaped his athletic career but also helped instill discipline in time management and dedication—values he finds crucial to his success.

Dr. Meis’s most cherished memory at Morningside, however, was meeting his wife, thanks to a blind date orchestrated by fellow alum Chris Bogenrief ’94, who is also Dr. Meis’s brother-in-law. “Not only was that date the most memorable thing that happened to me, but it was also the best thing that happened to me at Morningside. I guess that makes Chris Bogenrief the most influential person in my life because he set it all up.”

After graduating from Morningside in 1995, Dr. Meis continued his path to medicine at Creighton University, completing his training with a five-year orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin Madison and a one-year fellowship in sports medicine. The fellowship, in particular, was a major difference maker for him. He shares, “I had the opportunity to do a sports medicine fellowship in Alabama with Dr. James Andrews in 2004-2005. At the time, it would have been considered one of the best sports medicine fellowships in the world, and it provided me an elevated skill set that has enhanced my ability to care for patients.”

Now nearing the end of his 19th year at CNOS, he expresses gratitude once more for the journey that began at Morningside. Despite the challenges inherent in healthcare, the fulfillment derived from helping patients recover from injuries is immensely rewarding. “It is a grind… however, it is incredibly fulfilling to care for patients,” he remarks, emphasizing the importance of dedication within the healthcare team.

As both an athlete and a sports medicine physician, Dr. Meis is proud to return to Morningside as part of the athletic healthcare team. He has particularly enjoyed witnessing the Morningside teams he has cared for achieve national titles. He also praises the character of student-athletes, noting their politeness and respect, which reflect the robust culture of the university. “I am continually impressed with the character of kids we get at this university,” he shares.

Dr. Meis also acknowledges that one of the major reasons Morningside attracts high-caliber student-athletes is related to the decision made 20 years ago to transition from NCAA Division II to NAIA. Initially, he disagreed with this move, stating, “As a former Morningside athlete, I was disappointed to hear the news of our transition to NAIA athletics. However, when I returned to Sioux City in 2005 and began providing sports medicine services for Morningside, I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed at the quality of the programs and the number of athletes on campus. Now, I understand the strategy and vision that led to these changes, and it has truly elevated the university’s status and name recognition.”

With a career spanning multiple sports and expanding under his leadership, Dr. Meis is well-positioned to witness the ongoing growth and evolution of Morningside athletics. He encourages aspiring doctors to view their journey as a calling, reminding them to focus on each step without becoming overwhelmed by the long road ahead. “You will be pushed to your limits, but those who reach the finish line will have the unique opportunity to change people’s lives.”

Dr. Meis also acknowledges the full team surrounding him, which ensures he can provide Morningside student-athletes with the highest level of care. He praises the exceptional talent found among his colleagues, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, and clinical staff. “As I approach my 20th season covering Morningside athletics, I am eternally grateful to have had the good fortune of working with remarkably talented athletic trainers. In fact, Katy Burford, the current head athletic trainer, would get my vote as MVP of the Morningside athletic department. I also have a great team around me at CNOS, including my nurse Sue Reuter and physician’s assistant Nichole Friessen. They are indispensable to me, and any success I have is because of the incredible team around me.”

KATY BURFORD
Katy Burford grew up in Minden, Iowa, where her passion for sports blossomed during her time at Tri-Center High School. Active in various sports, she took her athletic interest to the next level by joining the Army in 1999, serving six years of active duty, and gaining invaluable life skills. After her military service, Burford pursued higher education, earning an associate’s degree from Iowa Western Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Missouri Valley College and a Master’s in Exercise Science from Wayne State College. Her diverse experiences helped shape her into a dedicated professional in the field of athletic training.

Burford initially worked at Morningside as a graduate assistant from 2009 to 2011 while employed by CNOS. She held positions at Physical Therapy Specialist Clinic in Missouri and Hastings College before learning a position was open at Morningside in 2015, recalling, “As soon as I heard about the opening for the head athletic trainer at Morningside, I applied. It was like coming home!”

In the 10 years since, Burford has seen remarkable growth and evolution in Mustang athletics. When she joined, there were no athletic trainers directly employed by the university; now, she takes pride in leading a robust team dedicated to the health and well-being of the athletes. “I am more involved in decision-making and healthcare for our athletes as a whole,” she shares, highlighting the significant changes in her role over the years.

Additionally, new programs such as men’s volleyball, women’s wrestling, and bowling have been introduced, and she has witnessed five national championships since 2015. “Our athletes are all amazing people who have success on the field but they have so much success off the field as well,” she notes. This holistic approach fostered a close-knit culture within Mustang athletics that Burford embraces. “I view many of the coaches as family,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of communication and addressing issues directly to maintain strong relationships.

Burford’s commitment extends beyond sports; she genuinely cares about her athletes’ futures. “I honestly care about them like they are my kids,” she admits, relishing the long-term relationships she has built with many of them. Burford has also created opportunities for students interested in athletic training, helping them gain valuable observation hours and securing placements in graduate programs. This mentorship stems from her own experiences as a first-generation college student. “I don’t want to see my students have the same struggles I did learning things on my own,” she asserts, showcasing her dedication to their success.

Despite the demands of her job and being a single mom to her son Braxton, Burford finds balance through the support of her Mustang family. The camaraderie among athletes, coaches, and her own family has been a constant source of strength for her personally, and Burford’s relationships with the athletes extend to her son, with many acting as supportive figures in his life. “The ways that coaches, the parents of our players, other staff, and the players themselves have all done so much for me personally over the years and the meaningful relationships we have built by experiencing so much together is really remarkable. It means the world to me, and it makes this so much more than just a job.”

As Katy reflects on her journey, she encourages anyone considering a career in athletic training to be prepared for the challenges ahead, advising, “It isn’t a 9-5 job, but the rewards make it all worth it!”

This story was featured in the Fall 2024 edition of The Morningsider.