Dr. Denis "Izzy" Isrow
1997 Inductee
NDATA Hall of Fame

Dr. Denis Isrow has seen it all during an athletic training career that spans four decades. "Izzy" has seen it through the eyes of a college student, a graduate assistant, instructor, professor and head athletic trainer - but more importantly, through the eyes of the student-athlete. Nicknamed in the late 1980's as the "Father of Athletic Training in North Dakota", Dr. Isrow literally built by hand the strong foundation, which the profession has maintained to this day.

Izzy was the first full-time athletic trainer in the state of North Dakota and North Dakota State University history. Dr. Isrow gained respect for his athletic training techniques and overall program. However, his job description went way beyond the traditional taping rituals. Izzy always had a way with people and went out of his way to be a teacher, listener, friend, healer and psychologist. The combination made Dr. Isrow an often-requested author, speaker and clinician.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Isrow was inducted into the North Central Conference Hall of Fame in 1988, the NDSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990, the National Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Mid-American Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 1996. A native of Detroit, Michigan, he attended the University of Detroit before transferring to Adams State (CO) College in 1961. While completing work on his degree in physical education he served as a student athletic trainer. He earned his master's degree from NDSU in 1965 and a doctorate of education from the University of Utah in 1975. Isrow and his wife, Geraldine, have two sons and two daughters.