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Michael "Doc" Pruitt was born in Joplin, Missouri and grew up in Groves, Texas. He graduated from Port Neches Groves High School in 1970, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University in 1975 and a Master of Science in Education in 1981. As a student athletic trainer, Mike was part of Baylor’s 1974 Southwest Conference Football championship. 

After five years as the athletic trainer of nearby Richland High School, Mike spent the next 27 years at Trinity High School. He was privileged to be part of many championships and playoff appearances across Trinity’s athletic programs, including several teams and coaches already enshrined in the HEB Sports Hall of Fame. Some highlights include three state championships in football, a boys’ basketball state finalist team, and three track and field individual state champions. Since 2005, he has been honored as the official “conch” blower to start Trinity’s “Sipi Tau”. 

His career has garnered recognition from his peers beyond the local community. Mike received a National Athletic Trainers’ Association service award, received all eight of the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (SWATA) awards for which he was eligible, and was inducted into the SWATA Hall of Fame in 2012. He is extremely proud of his 15 year association with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, where he assists walkers as an athletic trainer as they complete their 60-mile journey. 

He has been employed by Texas Health Resources as a liaison athletic trainer to area schools and sports clubs for 13 years. Including college, he has been an athletic trainer for over 50 years. 
Mike’s family is full of educators and athletes. His mother and one brother were in education for over 30 years. His wife, Michele, spent 35 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, and coordinator of the Extended Day Academy program. She was an adjunct at Dallas Baptist and recently named as the Chair of Arlington Baptist’s Education Department. 

Mike’s daughter, Brittany, was a student athletic trainer before becoming an educator. She has taught for 20 years, including 14 at North Euless Elementary before moving to Dawson ISD with her husband Will. His daughter-in-law, Karyn, started the Trinity softball program and is now an elementary school instructional specialist. Mike’s son, Mitch, was a football quarterback and played baseball at Trinity. Granddaughter Maddy is playing softball and her twin Jack plays baseball, flag football, and basketball. 
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Mike is extremely proud of the relationships he developed with hundreds of teachers, coaches, students, and athletes during his time at Trinity. He is pleased his children graduated from Trinity, where they were prepared for a diverse world. 
He enjoys do-it-yourself projects and as much valuable time as possible with family and friends.



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