If you are, or have been, an athlete at Lowell High School (LHS), you have likely heard the name “Baldo.” More specifically, if you have been an injured athlete at LHS, you have probably met the man himself. His name resonates throughout RDP during sports seasons. This year, however, the athletic trainer has taken on a new role as an educator, and his name echoes through the hallways as well.

Usbaldo Montoya (Mon-Toy-Uh), known as Mr. Montoya, is a well-established figure within the Lowell High School athletics community and has been for the past decade. Since joining LHS in 2015, Mr. Montoya has positively impacted the community of Lowell and the surrounding towns through his work in athletic training. However, this wasn’t always the case; Montoya once dreamed of pursuing a very different path.

Usbaldo Montoya spent his early years in Round Lake Beach, Illinois. During high school, Baldo engaged in various sports, including football, tennis, track, and wrestling. Upon graduating in 2008, he realized that his passions lay in two main areas: culinary arts and athletic training. While contemplating a career in culinary arts, Montoya came to recognize a concept that would ultimately shape his professional journey.

“I enjoy cooking for people, but as a chef, you often don’t get to see the immediate joy your creations bring,” Baldo explained. “I wanted to choose a path where I could help people more visibly.” 

It’s important to understand why Baldo ultimately decided to pursue the career he had narrowed down. A significant memory from his eighth grade year, around 2004, played a pivotal role in this decision. During a varsity football game, an incident occurred when the quarterback suffered a ruptured spleen injury while also battling mononucleosis. Tragically, the player was airlifted and later passed away due to the injuries sustained. This heartbreaking event catalyzed the creation of an athletic trainer position at his high school. Without such an event or even a postponement, it could be questioned whether Montoya would have known of such a field without such a call-to-action. This demand ultimately benefited Baldo significantly, not just in terms of his career but also for his personal health. Throughout high school, Montoya faced various injuries, leading him to spend considerable time with the athletic trainer, the very person who advocated for and became the first athletic trainer within their school system. This close relationship that Montoya developed with the athletic trainer he admired in eighth grade would prove invaluable later on.

With this foundation, Montoya fully committed himself to pursuing a career in athletic training, gaining entry into the field through an unexpected opportunity. He took his talents to China for a semester, hoping to make friends and gain valuable experience.

“When you go to a different country and don’t know the language, there’s a common bond that forms. You’re both navigating a new environment and seeking to embrace new experiences,” Montoya reflected. “I still keep in touch with some of them; we all maintain that connection.”

After his life-changing experience, Mr. Montoya enrolled at Western Illinois University (WIU) to pursue a career as an athletic trainer. He describes the environment there as hectic, yet he found himself naturally drawn to it throughout his journey.

After graduating from Western Illinois University, Montoya embarked on an invaluable internship at his former high school, where he had been taught by the very athletic trainer who initiated the program. Fortunately, this mentor connected Baldo with the Foot and Ankle Institute, providing him the opportunity to work alongside skilled podiatrists. He described this one-year experience as transformative, reinforcing his conviction that he was on the right career path. Despite the long hours and the demands of the profession, he understood that it was a choice between following his passion and settling for a typical office job. Clearly, Baldo opted for the more challenging route—one that many might view as less appealing.

In 2014, Mr. Montoya also worked as a physician extender. His mornings were spent in Des Plaines, Illinois, while his afternoons took him to Kenosha, Wisconsin, nearly a two-hour drive. Baldo regarded this experience as fantastic but ultimately realized that he wanted to be more deeply involved in the field.

After working as a Physician Extender, an opportunity arose for Baldo Montoya to become an athletic trainer, thanks to a friend of a friend. This opportunity came through the Franciscan Health system, located 106 miles south of Montoya’s hometown, at the southern tip of Lake County, Indiana. In January 2015, he began his role as the head athletic trainer at Lowell Senior High School (LHS)

“I initially felt very overwhelmed because everything was new and different,” Montoya described. “I still felt young and unsure of myself. I was getting to know all the coaches and athletes while trying to figure out how I could help them. I spent a lot of time asking questions.”

If you know Baldo Montoya, you are aware that he is the type of person who prioritizes giving credit to others over himself. At LHS, he consistently recognizes the contributions of his colleagues, athletes, and community members. “People were so willing to help out and answer questions,” Montoya said. “I’ve always been super appreciative of that.”

Since his anniversary, Mr. Montoya has embraced multiple roles, serving as a full-time athletic trainer (AT), study hall supervisor, and, starting this past fall, a teacher. He instructs courses in Exercise Science, Human Performance, Kinesiology, and College & Careers at LHS. After school, Baldo advises in-season sports, often working between 10 to 20 hours a day.

Montoya understands that he will not always have all the answers. Yet, he remains open to listening to other opinions and perspectives, valuing collaborative dialogue in his approach.

“I’ve got some confidence that I know what I’m talking about, but I’m always willing to correct mistakes or learn,” Montoya said. “And that’s one of the big things for me: you’ve got to be willing to learn.” 

It’s also noteworthy that Baldo has been a one-man band since the beginning. While assistants may have come and gone, Mr. Montoya has stayed. Undoubtedly, Mr. Montoya recognizes his student athletic trainers as a key component in ensuring that each day runs as smoothly as possible.

“I’m extremely grateful to all of our student trainers,” Montoya expressed. 

With such a busy schedule, Mr. Montoya has taken precautions to make sure his days are filled with the best opportunities. He knows they will be long and challenging, but to him, it’s all worthwhile. 

“I made it my motto from the beginning: it’s going to be tough, and it’s going to be difficult. But hopefully, at the end of the day, it feels worth it,” Montoya said. “It feels like I’m still doing something to help and positively contribute to those around me. I draw all my motivation from being able to support and be there for people.”

More specifically, he loves witnessing the progress of his athletes. Baldo believes there’s much more to sports than just the game itself.

“Truthfully, though, it’s the little moments that matter most to me,” Montoya said. “Whenever I’m able to help an athlete return to participating and doing what they love, I feel a sense of happiness. Watching an athlete compete to the best of their ability—whether they’re performing as well as they did before or even better—fills me with pride.”

Although Mr. Montoya may not be originally from Lowell or even Indiana, he truly feels a part of the community. He credits the townspeople for their warm hospitality.

“People here are always incredibly kind and appreciative,” Montoya noted. “I don’t do it for the appreciation, but it definitely makes the job more enjoyable when people stop to ask how my day is going and engage in genuine conversations.”

A moment that always resonates with Baldo happens in March during the Special Olympics basketball game hosted by LHS. 

“I truly believe that is the highlight of my year,” Montoya explained. “It’s an event I always look forward to.”

With that being said, it would be irresponsible to overlook our athletic trainer for state-wide recognition. In his tenth year in the role, Usbaldo Montoya was rightfully honored by the Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) to participate in the 57th annual Indiana All-Star Game, more commonly known as the North/South All-Star Game. He also received the Region #1 Trainer All-Star honor.

The All-Star event brings together not only the best football players in the state but also the most talented coaches and staff, and Baldo earned this significant honor for the first time in his career. The week-long experience is one Mr. Montoya will always cherish. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received throughout this journey,” Baldo said. “Being recognized as an athletic trainer for the All-Star game is a tremendous honor. I’m very appreciative of our coaching staff for nominating me.”

In summary, Baldo is a busy individual. Despite his commitments, he ensures he makes time for himself and his friends outside of the school environment. Whether it’s playing video games, cooking for friends, or exploring new activities and places, Baldo epitomizes a well-rounded lifestyle.

“For as much as I work, I also make it a point to spend time with friends,” explained Baldo. “Whenever I hear about something new, I have a couple of friends whom I usually text to say, ‘Hey, let’s go check this place out.’ It’s typically a fun experience. One year, we decided to visit Niagara Falls and explore Canada.”

It goes without saying that Usbaldo Montoya is one of the hardest workers; in fact, that description hardly does justice to his dedication, willingness, and empathy not only toward the student-athletes at LHS but also for his fellow faculty members. He has made, and will continue to make, a lasting impact on the town of 10,000 plus. It is with great honor that we acknowledge Lowell’s gratitude for having Usbaldo Montoya on our side. On behalf of the entire community, we express our heartfelt appreciation to our athletic trainer, teacher, and, ultimately, our friend for his unwavering commitment and sacrifice.