While the players are fighting for incredible touchdowns, the athletic trainers patiently await on the sideline to jump into action whenever their help is needed. From timeouts to halftime to quarter changes, the athletic trainers work together to keep the football team successfully hydrated and assist with any potential injuries that may occur.
When being an athletic trainer, one must understand the fundamental values of the human body and how to address serious injuries when the moment comes. This exemplifies the knowledge and detail that go into the program way before game day comes. For example, athletic trainers prepare for games with specific rituals to be sure they are prepared for any situation.
“Before the game begins, some of us are tapping wrist, setting up sidelines, adjusting helmets, making gator aid, or filling waters,” senior Karah Keller said. “Pregame is also when we prepare ourselves for the jobs that we each have during the game, whether that could be stocking our fanny Packs to ensure we have all our medical equipment or checking our emergency bags.”
During the football games, the athletic trainers divide and conquer to ensure each football player’s needs are met. This allows each group of trainers to attend to different sections so no injury or minor issue does not go unnoticed.
“Every morning at practice, certain girls go with certain coaches to cover their group with water and anything the boys may need for a small injury,” junior Chloe Hickey said. “The seniors will have a certain spot they go to, and they will usually take a freshman or a sophomore with them, while juniors can just tag along throughout the other groups.”
With these stations intact for each trainer, this ensures great productivity and priorities for each trainer on the field. With trainers, eyeing the field like a hawk, the football players are able to efficiently perform well in games knowing they are in good hands.
“During practices we’re out there to keep an eye out for many things,” sophomore Aubrey Goldens said. “Not only making sure the boys stay hydrated but also watching out for turf burns, cuts, and possible big injuries or accidents.”
While all games are different, athletic trainers must always make sure their number one priority is helping boys stay healthy so they can get another win. It takes hard work and lots of fast-paced incidents that bring the athletic trainers together on the sidelines at every football game.
“No matter what job a girl has though, we’re always making sure our number one priority is helping the boys stay healthy so they can get to another win.” Goldens said.
