Athletic Trainer: Matt Bigas
College: West Chester University (2004)
Major: Sports Medicine

Matt Bigas begins his second full year as Rutgers University-Camden’s head athletic trainer.  He began his tenure halfway through the spring season of 2007.

Matt's responsibilities entail overseeing the health care of all of Rutgers’ student athletes.  This includes the recognition, management, rehabilitation, and prevention of all athletic injuries.  He also acts as the student athlete insurance director.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work here at Rutgers,” Bigas said. “I am excited and anxious to be working at the collegiate level.”

Matt began his career working at a couple different high schools in southeastern Pennsylvania.  He began with a short stint at Delaware County Christian School, then spent a year at Kennett High School, before accepting the position at Rutgers.

Matt is a 2004 graduate of West Chester University, majoring in sports medicine.  While there he was a member of the athletic training club. He was also a two-year member of the Golden Rams football team.  From West Chester he continued his education at California University of Pennsylvania, earning his Masters in athletic training. 

Matt also worked as a graduate assistant at Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh.  A highlight of that experience was working with their boys’ soccer team, which posted a 25-0 record, won the Pennsylvania state championship, and was ranked #1 in the nation.

Matt is a member of several different organizations, and holds various certifications pertaining to his profession.  He is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) and performance enhancement specialist (PES).  He is also a certified CPR instructor from the American Red Cross.  He holds membership in the National Athletic Trainers Association, Eastern Athletic Trainers Association, Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey, Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.  He holds licenses to practice athletic training in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Matt is a lifelong resident of Media, Pennsylvania.  Growing up, he participated on several different sports teams, including football, soccer, baseball, basketball, and swimming.  A graduate of Penncrest high school, he earned varsity letters in football and track & field.  He also played two years of basketball. 

He loves the outdoors, and enjoys camping, hiking, and skiing.  In his spare time, he enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, and competing in races.  He recently completed the Philadelphia Broad Street Run, and the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley Triathlons.  He currently resides in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia.