Fujiwara Inducted to State Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame

Lance Fujiwara, longtime VMI associate AD for sports medicine, was recently inducted into the Virginia Athletic Trainers Sports Hall of Fame.

Fujiwara, who has served in the athletic department since 1988, was officially inducted in a ceremony held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in concert with the VATA annual meeting in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

The honor recognizes service, contribution and grassroots effort to the profession of athletic training and cites dedication, selflessness and hard work that have influenced the patient population which they serve.

Fujiwara is currently in his 33rd year with the VMI athletic department after arriving in 1987 as an assistant athletic trainer. After serving in this role for one year, was promoted to head athletic trainer/director of sports medicine and has served in this capacity for the last 30 years. He became assistant athletic director for sports medicine in 2002 and associate in 2008.

A native of The Dalles, Oregon, Fujiwara attended Oregon State University and graduated in 1985. He has a dual emphasis from the department of physical education in athletic training and commercial & industrial fitness. He also holds Master of Education degrees from the University of Virginia in both sports medicine and counselor education.

Fujiwara has previously been honored with the designation of 2014 Virginia Athletic Trainers Association College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year, 2014 VMI Achievement Award, 2015 Mid Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association Service Award and 2016-17 Southern Conference All-Conference Staff Award.

Editor’s Note: The article was first published at www.vmikeydets.com.