January 27, 2014 -- Chicago Bulls Head Athletic Trainer Fred Tedeschi was selected by the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) as its 2012-13 Joe O'Toole Athletic Trainer of the Year. The award is chosen each year for exemplary achievement or outstanding service to the NBA and NBATA. Tedeschi will be recognized for this honor before Monday's game vs. Minnesota.

Tedeschi, who is in his 16th season as the Bulls' head athletic trainer, also won the award for the 2006-07 season. He served as president of the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) from 2005-07. Tedeschi is certified as a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) and a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

“We are honored to present Fred with this award” said Gregg Farnam, NBATA Chairman and Head Athletic Trainer of the Minnesota Timberwolves. “Fred embodies the definition of professionalism and service. His selfless and tireless dedication to the Chicago Bulls and NBA exemplifies the goals and standards of the NBATA. He has been a valuable resource to the members of our association and the athletic training profession."

The award is named after Joe O'Toole, a long time former head athletic trainer of the Atlanta Hawk who is regarded as the father of the NBATA.