John C. Spiker

John C. Spiker was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1993 and was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2007.

A native of Bruceton Mills, W.Va., Spiker earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from WVU in 1969. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972, followed by a certificate in physical therapy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973.

Spiker began his career as an athletic trainer and physical therapist at the University of North Carolina, where he worked with the football, lacrosse, and men’s basketball teams under legendary coach Dean Smith. In 1975, he returned to WVU after being recruited by Dr. Bill Douglas to serve as head athletic trainer and to develop a formal curriculum in athletic training. He led that program for 10 years and later served as the University’s coordinator of athletic medical services until his retirement in 2015. For over four decades, he provided care for generations of Mountaineer student-athletes and helped establish WVU’s athletic training program as one of the best in the country.

In addition to his work in higher education and athletics, Spiker founded Morgantown Physical Therapy Associates—now HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness—which has grown to serve communities throughout north-central West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Spiker was named Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1980 and was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2012. He was inducted into the WVU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. He has delivered more than 200 professional presentations and has supported athletic training students through scholarships and philanthropic support, including a named classroom and laboratory in the Applied Human Sciences Building.