Michael “Mac” McCuistion, A.T.C.
Happenstance or plan, someone’s laughing, our quality of life is ultimately defined by the choices we make. We often do not realize that each step in this process has a pivotal effect on those that follow. Mac learned hard work and perseverance could overcome many shortcomings growing up in the cattle country of eastern and western Nevada. A stint in the Navy served to reinforce these tenants and also provided insight to the positive role that individual effort contributes to the group, which is teamwork. Accountability and responsibility are minimal, not lofty, standards. Honorable men do the right thing even when no one is looking. Mac learned that he had the inner strength to forgive others and himself. His employment with the Veterans Administration expanded his ability to empathize, sympathize, and organize on different levels. Mac achieved relative success in all of these endeavors, but wasn’t satisfied.
In June of 1984, he found himself, his wife, Kelly, and his two daughters, Gaye and Missy, in Lincoln, Nebraska with barely two nickels to rub together to pursue a different path. Times were tough and all made many sacrifices, but managed to push through. The irony is not lost on him that during his oft-injured junior year of high school he became acquainted with the science teacher/athletic trainer, Mr. Goodish. He took Mac under his wing; he even had Mac complete a student athletic trainer correspondence course through Cramer, Inc., and showed Mac that there is satisfaction in selfless service to others.
Mac felt that he made a contribution. The athletic training room is a great vehicle in promoting those positive character traits that are commonly shared by our good citizens. This is why, for better or worse, Mac is the Head Athletic Trainer at Lincoln East High School, and proud to be so.
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