Bio

Kevin Tong began working at Defiance College as Head Athletic Trainer in the fall of 1997 and is the fifth person to hold that title at DC. Kevin has covered almost every intercollegiate sports team at DC at one point or another. He is presently the primary ATC for football and wrestling. During the summer of 2023, Tong was elevated to Assistant Athletic Director and is primed to be inducted into the Defiance College Athletic Hall of Fame during October's induction festivities for his outstanding service and dedication to Defiance's athletic programs.

In addition to his duties at DC, Kevin was a consultant for the NFL in their ATC Spotter program from 2012 through the 2015 season. He has also been active in local high school football during his time in Northwest Ohio having provided or assisted in coverage for Tinora High School, Ayersville High School, and Edgerton High School on occasion.

Prior to coming to DC, he was on the athletic training staff of the Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer for a majority of the 1997 season. Tong had the opportunity to work daily with international stars like Carlos Valderrama and US talent like Steve Ralston and Frankie Hejduk.

A native of Athens, Ohio, Tong graduated from Ohio University in 1995 with a B.S. in athletic training with an emphasis in exercise physiology. While at Ohio University, he served as an athletic training student for various sports including football, wrestling, women’s basketball and baseball. During this time, Kevin studied under the direction of Charles “Skip” Vosler, a Defiance College alumni and DC’s first head athletic trainer.

After completing his degree at OU, he was employed by Wagner College (N.Y.) as an assistant trainer from 1995-1997 while earning his master’s degree in education. At Wagner, Kevin was the primary athletic trainer for the Seahawk’s football and baseball programs.

Tong was an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training at Defiance College from 1997 till 2020, earning his tenure in 2003. He taught primarily in undergraduate Athletic Training program and Exercise Science programs. During his time at Defiance College, the athletic training program grew from an “emphasis” program to an undergraduate major. Additionally, the staff of the athletic training department has expanded substantially.  In 2020, Kevin was moved to a staff position of Head Athletic Trainer.

In 2005, Kevin was recognized by Defiance College with the Outstanding Faculty Service Award for his volunteer work assisting longtime supporter and alumnus Geraldine Boomer.

In 2020, Tong, and the rest of the AT staff at Defiance College and all member institution AT staffs were recognized by the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference for work performed to continue athletic participation during the coronavirus pandemic.  

Kevin and his wife, Kelly, reside in Defiance with their three sons, Cameron, Owen and Ian and daughter, Paige.