Longtime Lebanon High athletic trainer Justin McKinney has resigned his position to become the head trainer at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.

A native of Mt. Juliet, McKinney had endeared himself to Lebanon High coaches and parents with his devotion and concern for student-athletes.

A graduate of Cumberland University with additional training at MTSU, McKinney has hauled tons of ice, taped thousands of ankles, comforted countless parents and impacted many lives during his ten years at LHS. Technically, he was employed with University Medical Center and assigned to Lebanon High.

In 2011, he was the recipient of the Sandy Sandlin High School Athletic Trainer of the Year Award presented by the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society.

During the 2011 football season McKinney is credited with saving the life of football player D'Shaun Jones who collapsed after leaving practice with difficulty breathing.

McKinney initiated his emergency action plan, and used CPR and an AED to get Jones breathing again. McKinney's quick reactions helped avoid a tragedy.

"Words cannot express how much Justin has meant to our players and coaches," said LHS athletic director Darian Brown. "He's been a vital part of our athletic department and a trusted confidant to all of us."