March is National Athletic Training month and the theme for this year is A Safer Approach to Work, Life, and Sport. Athletic Trainers work in a variety of fields; Secondary Schools, College/Universities, Physician’s Clinics, Physical Therapy Clinics, Professional teams, Performing arts, Military, and Industrial Corporations to name a few. The Athletic Training profession is transitioning from a Bachelor’s Degree to a Master’s degree requirement for licensure. Athletic Trainers are licensed by the State of Texas and many receive Certification through the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification and should not be confused with personal trainers.
Mount Pleasant Independent School District (MPISD) employs two Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainers to take care of the athletes who compete for MPISD. The athletic trainers for MPISD provide a variety of services including injury prevention, injury assessment, rehabilitation, first aid, CPR, facility safety assessment, protective equipment fitting, hydration, coordination and storage of yearly medical and UIL paperwork, and nutrition education. Justin Hargrove ATC, LAT and Jamie Denman MAT, ATC, LAT take care of 20 different high school sports, 8 Junior High sports, along with Drill team and Band. MPISD sports include: Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, and Cheerleading and Powerlifting.
Athletic Trainers are experts in the medical field when dealing with Concussions and Sports Safety. MPISD recognizes the importance of having Certified Athletic Trainers on hand for sporting events and that sports injuries can be serious. Brain and spinal cord injuries and conditions such as heat illness can be life threatening if not recognized and properly handled.
The next time you are at a sporting event, take time and thank our Athletic Trainers for their hard work and dedication to the athletes of MPISD and the visiting teams who come to MPISD to participate.