Head athletic trainer Eric Pitkanen was named a Newsmaker of the Year by KATU television and the Royal Rosarians in honor of his heroic efforts as a first responder during a Las Vegas crash in December.
Pitkanen was in Las Vegas with the men’s wrestling team for a tournament when a woman swerved her car onto the sidewalk, killing one person and injuring 40 others. Among those injured were four Pacific students.
Pitkanen said he was walking along the strip talking to his wife when the crash happened right in front of him.
He immediately rushed into the scene, helping the people immediately in front of him.
“It was really one of those fight or flight moments,” Pitkanen said. “It was terrifying but I’m so glad I was able to use the training I have had and help.”
Receiving the award and so much recognition for his efforts has been surreal for Pitkanen because it brings up so many memories of that night.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled by the recognition but it was also one of the scariest nights of my life,” Pitkanen said. “In a way, talking about it has helped me move on. I still think about it at least three times a week though.”
Every year, the Royal Rosarians ask major media outlets in the Portland area to select honorees for the Newsmaker of the Year awards who have performed exceptional acts of heroism or benevolent service without regard for personal safety, public record or personal need.
Pitkanen said he has been honored and moved by all of the encouragement and kind words from the community but that he hasn’t gotten used to the recognition and probably won’t.
For someone a bit uncomfortable in the public eye.
Pitkanen said coming home to his wife and 18-month-old son has been a big bright spot in his life after the crash.
“I love that [my son] doesn’t know what has been happening,” Pitkanen said. “To him, daddy coming home and seeing him is all that matters. Coming home and hugging him has been the best part of my days following the accident.”
Family has been a big part of Pitkanen’s career at Pacific and a driving force in bringing him to Forest Grove.
Prior to coming to Pacific, Pitkanen was working at Vanderbilt University following an internship training with the Denver Broncos. He said he enjoyed working with the Broncos but realized that he wanted a career working with college students during his time and Vanderbilt.
“I love working with college students because you get to see them grow into adults in their time here,” Pitkanen said. “There are kids here who babysit my son. I am so thankful for the relationships I have here.”
Those close-knit relationships are what got Pitkanen and the wrestling team through the trauma of what happened in Las Vegas.
Pitkanen said he made sure that all of the wrestlers knew he was and is available for support.
“I still check in with the guys,” Pitkanen said. “It was really hard for all of us coming back, especially them. It’s something none of us will forget.”
In 2010, Pitkanen moved to Forest Grove and met his now wife. He was promoted to head trainer in 2013.
When he isn’t out on the fields at athletic events helping the athletes, he is home playing with his dog and family. Having a job that allowed him time to spend with his family was another big selling factor to Pacific.
Pitkanen said he loves working at events, looking up into the stands and seeing his wife and son cheering him on.
He said he hopes Pacific will be a big part of his son’s life as he gets older. “This is where I want to retire,”
Pitkanen said. “We love it here.”
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