Rob Blanc Hometown: Bethel Park, Pa. Position: Head Athletic Trainer, Football Alma Mater: Slippery Rock, 1982

Rob Blanc enters his 26th year as head football athletic trainer and clinical instructor at Pitt. With his exceptional sports medicine knowledge and experience, Blanc is a tremendous resource for the entire Pitt athletic department.

In addition to his responsibilities with the football program, Blanc has a lead role with Pitt's Performance Team, a unique blending of the university's numerous resources to serve the total well being of Pitt student-athletes.

Blanc helps coordinate sports coverage, budget, inventory, drug testing and counseling. Additionally, he is an adjunct clinical instructor for Pitt's undergraduate athletic training curriculum, approved by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).

In 2009, Blanc co-authored the textbook Emergency Care in Athletic Training with three graduates of the University of Pittsburgh.

Blanc graduated from Slippery Rock in 1982 and earned his master's in athletic training in 1984 from Ohio University. He is also a certified paramedic and was involved in an emergency medical service for 17 years in nearby Bethel Park.

A native of Pittsburgh, Blanc served as head athletic trainer at neighboring Duquesne University for two years before joining the Panthers' staff.

Blanc began his athletic training career as the head athletic trainer at New Lexington (Ohio) High School in 1983. A year later, he began working for the Pittsburgh Steelers on a part-time basis, serving at training camp and at all home games.

Blanc's wife's name is Peggy. He has three children: son Jason and daughters Jordan and Shannon.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Born: February 28, 1960

Hometown: Bethel Park, Pa.

Alma Mater: Slippery Rock, 1982

Family: Blanc's wife's name is Peggy. He has three children: son Jason and daughters Jordan and Shannon.