2026 CAATE Award Winners
Winner: William Biddington, EdD, R-ATC
The Bob & Lynn Caruthers Service Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the character and professional excellence demonstrated by Bob & Lynn Caruthers throughout their careers. Both were known for their distinguished service to professional and specialized accreditation, as well as their commitment to supporting and advancing constituent institutions. Recipients of this award reflect a deep dedication to professional education, outstanding service, and a sustained record of excellence in athletic training accreditation and contributions to the CAATE.
The CAATE is pleased to announce William Biddington as this year’s recipient of the Bob & Lynn Caruthers Service Award. Biddington is an athletic trainer based in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, with a longstanding career dedicated to the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses.
Throughout his career, Biddington has demonstrated a strong commitment to patient care, professional service, and the advancement of athletic training practice. His work reflects the core values of service, leadership, and excellence that define the Caruthers legacy.
Winner: Jim Reidy, MS, LAT, ATC
The President's Award is one of the highest honors presented by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to advancing the mission of the CAATE and the athletic training profession.
The CAATE is proud to announce Jim Reidy as the recipient of this year’s President’s Award. Jim currently serves as the Program Director of the Athletic Training Residency at St. Luke's University Health Network, where he has been instrumental in shaping and leading the residency program. Under his guidance, the program has thrived, providing high-quality education and mentorship to the next generation of athletic training professionals.
Jim’s impact extends far beyond his home institution. He has served on multiple CAATE committees, including the Residency and Fellowship Accreditation Council (RFAC), where he was appointed Chair in recognition of his expertise and leadership. Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to the development of accreditation standards, ensuring residency and fellowship programs meet rigorous educational and professional benchmarks. His efforts have directly advanced athletic training education and helped strengthen the profession nationwide.
This award honors Jim for his commitment to the CAATE’s mission, his leadership in developing residency and fellowship standards, and his dedication to supporting educational programs, peer review processes, and the growth of the athletic training profession.