Athletic Trainers on college campuses all across the country treat injuries and help keep their student-athletes healthy. Over the next few weeks, let's meet those that everyone in the atheltic department depends on, a group that works countless hours serving their university.

Today, we check in with Azusa Pacific's Benjamin Fuller who oversees the Cougar department of six. Fuller landed at APU in 2008 after time in the California Army National Guard and two years at Syracuse. A graduate of Sonoma State, Benjamin and his family (wife Heather, sons Caleb and David) live in nearby San Dimas.

*Why did you become an athletic trainer?
"I started college as an Accounting major due to my love of math. I quickly realized that my enjoyment in math was not related to numbers but the idea of solving problems and coming up with a solution. I always enjoyed sports as well because of the challenge, competition and team atmosphere. When I discovered Athletic Training as a profession during a transfer orientation I attended, I realized it was a profession where those two aspects were merged so I started down the path to become a Certified Athletic Trainer."

*What do you most like about your job/career? What gets you up in the morning?
"In addition to the aspects I mentioned above, I really value and enjoy the teamwork and relationship building of the profession. Both with the student-athletes and my staff as well as other athletic trainers and professionals I work with."

*If you were not an athletic trainer, what would you be?
"Not sure I would actually do this, but I have always thought is would be interesting and fun to run a Bed & Breakfast."

*What is the biggest challenge facing your profession currently?
"Staffing and Work-Life Balance Issues."

*Funniest Road Trip Moment
"There have been plenty of laughs, sarcastic comments and fun banter back and forth with the student-athlete and coaches but no one moment stands out."  

*Favorite Binge-Worthy Show
"24"

*Favorite Fast Food
"In-N-Out"

*Your Own Greatest Sporting Moment
"Honestly, I can't think of anything from when I played, but recently I was able to coach my 11 year old son's soccer team and they won the Championship. The Championship game was super competitive and was decided in a shootout. It was awesome to see the kids excited, but also to see the sportsmanship of both teams in that game."

*What's Your Favorite Part about Working at Your School?
"Developing relationships with our student-athletes so that they experience Christ and find their identity in Him."