Ben Trunzo

MSc., CAT(C)

For more than three decades, Ben Trunzo has inspired students with his enthusiasm and unwavering passion for Kinesiology and specifically Athletic Therapy.

Trunzo graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 1978 with BA in Psychology and then studied at University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta before returning to the UWinnipeg in 1986 as assistant athletic therapist ,and a year later head athletic therapist, where he worked for two decades before becoming a full-time faculty member in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health.

Trunzo’s commitment to providing students with a practical and thorough understanding of the field is unrivalled. He is known for his challenging weekly quizzes, which have helped many students cultivate a greater understanding of kinesiology and athletic therapy. He motivates students to strive for excellence, and many say his high expectations propelled them to not only reach but exceed the goals they set for themselves.

Throughout pandemic-related shutdowns, Trunzo went above and beyond to ensure his students received a premier education. His willingness to provide additional teaching time allowed students who otherwise may have faced pandemic-related roadblocks to complete degree requirements on time and challenge national certification exams.

His dedication to his craft is evident in his relationship with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA), where he received a Distinguished Educator Award in 2013. After first joining as a student member in 1981, he was certified by CATA in 1987 and has since served on the board of directors, examination review and high-performance provider committees, ascending to the role of CATA president from 1992-93. In 2021, he was named to the CATA Hall of Fame.

Trunzo has also served provincially as a board member of the Manitoba Athletic Therapist Association and in 2012 he received the MATA Chuck Badcock Special Recognition Award that recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the profession of Athletic Therapy in Manitoba.

For the lasting impression he has left on his students and his positive influence on the University’s national reputation in the field of athletic therapy, The University of Winnipeg is proud to present Ben Trunzo with the Clifford J. Robson Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence.