Our Staff

Sports Medicine

Our Staff

Brett 'Duke' Waldon, Head Athletic Trainer

Brett 'Duke' Waldon is entering his fourth year at Arkansas Tech University as the school's Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Athletic Director. Waldon took over the management of Tech's athletic training department in late July, 2011 and is beginning his second stint at Tech.

In his duties at Tech, Waldon is responsible for providing medical coverage for all of the school's 10 men's and women's athletic teams, including serving as the athletic trainer for the Wonder Boys football, men's basketball and men's and women's golf teams.

Waldon, who is a native of Fort Smith, Ark., returns to Tech after spending (2009-11) as the head athletic trainer at Langston University in Langston, Okla. While at Langston, Waldon was responsible for providing medical coverage for all of the school's athletic teams. Prior to going to Langston, Waldon spent three years (2006-09) as an assistant athletic trainer at Tech, where he served as the athletic trainer for both the football and men's basketball teams.

He began his athletic training career as an assistant athletic trainer at Tech's GAC rival, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. While with the Tigers, Waldon served as the athletic trainer for both the football and men's basketball teams during the 2004-05 school year.

A certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association (AATA), and the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association (SWATA), Waldon, who is also certified in CPR/First Aid/AED and is also a certified member with the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). He received his masters degree in May 2006 in sports administration from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark, and also earned his bachelor of science degree in recreation and sports medicine from Henderson State in 1996. While in graduate school at HSU, Waldon served as a graduate athletic trainer at Ouachita Baptist University.

Waldon, who is graduate of Fort Smith Northside High School, is the father of a son, Michael (24), who is a student at Arkansas Tech University.

James McSweeney, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Jim McSweeney is entering his second year at Arkansas Tech University as one of the school's Assistant Athletic Trainers. He will be working primarily with Baseball, Football, Tennis, and Cross Country. McSwenney will also be assisting the Head Athletic Trainer where needed.

McSweeney, who is a native of Chicago , IL, received his BS in Athletic Training from Barry University in Miami Shores, FL in 2002. After completing his degree, McSwenney decided to continue his education at Barry and completed his MS in Movement Sciences, with a specialization in Athletic Training, in 2004.

McSweeney began his athletic training career in 2003 working at Miami Jai Alai providing coverage for professional Jai Alai athletes. In 2004, McSweeney took a full time position at a Physical Therapy Clinic with Orthopedic Care Center in Aventura, FL. While working here, McSweeney was responsible for treating and rehabilitating patients of all types. After two years, McSweeney moved to Oklahoma and became the Head Athletic Trainer at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. While there (2006-2012), McSweeney was responsible for providing medical coverage for all 21 varsity sports as well as serving as an adjunct instructor in the Kinesiology department.

A certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association (AATA), and McSweeney is also certified as a CPR/First Aid/AED instructor with the American Red Cross.

McSweeney and his wife Kristina, who is the ATU Softball Coach, have two children, Isabella (4) and Dario (2).

Cesiley Rideau, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Cesiley Rideau is entering her first year at Arkansas Tech University as one of the school's Assistant Athletic Trainers. She will be working primarily with Volleyball, Women’s Basketball and Softball. Rideau will also be assisting the Head Athletic Trainer where needed.

Rideau, who is a native of Spencer, OK, received her Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK in 2011. After completing her degree, Rideau decided to take a position at McBride Orthopedic Hospital Clinic. There Rideau worked on the physical therapy side of an occupational medicine clinic as the Functional Capacity Evaluation Coordinator and Athletic Trainer. Rideau worked with physical therapy patients, while doing pre-work screens, and also disability ratings for workers compensation patients. As an Athletic Trainer Rideau provided outreach at El Reno High School (El Reno, OK) and also assisted with softball tournaments at ASA Hall of Fame.

After beginning her professional career, Rideau decided to return to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2013 to work on her masters of education in Sports Management and work as a Graduate Assistant for Athletic Training. She primarily worked with Football, Men’s Basketball and assisted with any other sports coverage as assigned. A certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Arkansas Athletic Trainers Association (AATA), and Rideau is also certified in CPR/First Aid and AED.