Head Athletic Trainer John Doneyko, ATC, continues to be one of the most dedicated and respected members of the athletic department.

A 24-year member of the athletic training staff, he took over the role of Head Athletic Trainer for the Penguins prior to last season. Altogether, he oversees a staff of five trainers and four doctors.

Doneyko is in his 25th season caring for Penguins student-athletes. In his first 24 years he worked as an assistant trainer responsible for the Penguins men's basketball program.

During the 2004-05 season, "JD" as he is affectionately known, took part in his 500th YSU men's basketball contest when the Penguins played at Missouri State on Dec. 3.

A licensed athletic trainer in Ohio and a nationally-certified Athletic Trainer, Doneyko also worked closely with the YSU football team in his first 23 years and been part of the four championship teams.

Prior to joining the YSU athletic department, Doneyko worked as an assistant trainer for the Cleveland Browns.

Doneyko graduated from Kent State with a bachelor's of science degree in 1985 and received his master's degree in athletic training from Ohio in 1986.

John and his wife, Kathleen, reside in Cortland with their two sons, Kyle and Alex. Kyle is a YSU graduate.