Athletic Training

Welcome to the Athletic Training page of St Francis High School.  St Francis High School employs a Full Time Athletic Trainer as well as an Assistant Athletic Trainer provided by Excelsior Orthopedics.  The Athletic Trainers work in collaboration with the Athletic Department, school nurse, physical therapists, and local physicians. The Athletic Trainers evaluates all athletic injuries and determines athletic status using consultation with physicians when necessary. At the start of each season, coaches and students are instructed as to appropriate use of the Athletic Training Room facility and of proper procedure for notifying Athletic Trainers of injury. Likewise, students are strongly encouraged to report all sports related injuries to an Athletic Trainer at the time of injury.

Nate Suchyna MSED, ATC, LAT
Nate is a 2000 graduate of St Francis High School.  Upon graduating, Nate attended Canisius College where he attained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training followed a year later by a Master of Science Degree in Education.  Nate has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 2004 and in the Fall of 2005, he returned to his Alma Mater as both a teacher and the school’s full time Athletic Trainer.  He currently teaches Physical Education, Health and the elective class Athletic Training and First Aid.
Contact Information:
Office: (716) 627-1200 x571
Email: suchynan@stfrancishigh.org
David Dyson ATC, LAT
David is a Brooklyn, NY native.  He moved to Buffalo to attend college at Buffalo State College. At Buffalo State, he attained his Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness in 2014. He then went to the University at Buffalo where he would get his dual degree with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2019 and Master of Science in Athletic Training in 2020. Following his graduation from the University at Buffalo in 2020, he became a Certified Athletic Trainer in June and was shortly hired by Excelsior Orthopedics to be an Assistant Athletic Trainer at St. Francis High School.
Contact Information:
Office: (716) 627-1200 x571
Email: ddyson@excelsiorortho.com
The sports medicine physicians and physical therapists of Excelsior Orthopedics (https://www.excelsiorortho.com/) serve as the schools team Orthopedic base.  St Francis athletes have access to many services provided by Excelsior including easier access to their Physicians, Excelsior Express Immediate Care and Physical Therapist.  Expedited appointments for these services can be set up through the Athletic Trainers at St Francis.  Our student athletes can also take advantage of the Excelsior’s Runners Program (STRIDES), Sports Training (EST) and Sports Nutrition Programs.  
Success Begins at St. Francis