Leah Wollenburg Gutekunst can be considered a pioneer in Athletic Training in Minnesota.  She played an instrumental role in the early days of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers' Association (MATA), serving as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President.  She also served two terms as the State Representative to the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association (GLATA).  In 1987, Leah helped organize the 1987 GLATA Convention in Rochester. Leah received her Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with an Athletic Training Minor from the University of North Dakota in 1977 and a Master's degree from Colorado State University in Education. In September of 1978, she was hired as the Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Student Services for the Women's Athletic Department at the University of Minnesota, a position she held until May of 1992. Notable accomplishments during her tenure at the University included initiation of the student athletic trainer program and developing nutritional and other educational programs for athletes.