Athletic Trainers Provide Care to Student Athletes
Abigail St. Jean and Emily Townsend
“Trainers are the most valuable and underrated people in the athletic department,” said Girls Assistant Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Megan Avery. “They help rehabilitate injured athletes and keep athletes in top playing condition.”
Head Athletic Trainer Marjore Franke works full time treating injuries after school, during practices, and at games. Part-time Athletic Trainer Deanna Nansel and assistant Barry Potoker, who covers baseball and field hockey, also work in the office.
The trainers provide many services, most commonly treating ankle and knee sprains, followed by overuse injuries like tendonitis. The trainers use foam rolling and stretching to decrease muscle stiffness, and ice to treat other injuries.
The most challenging type of injury Franke faces are potential emergencies, because of “the quick decision you have to make in those situations,” she said. Even in the face of many injuries, one of the biggest obstacles for the office is T.C.’s multiple off-site campuses. With practice fields at T.C., Minnie Howard, Chinquapin, George Washington, Frances C. Hammond, Simpson, Witter, and the boat house, the trainers are limited in their ability to cover all sports.
Franke attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Athletic Training. She attended Bowling Green State University where she earned her Master’s degree in Development Kinesiology.
Franke became interested in athletic training when she participated in a student aide program at her high school, which allowed her to work with her trainers after school as part of a class. “I took things I learned into hands-on-work which started my interest,” said Franke.
T.C. does not currently have a class that allows students to work with the athletic trainers, but Franke would be interested in starting one.
The athletic office does have a volunteer student aide program, however, in which students can help the athletic trainers for any of the three sports seasons. The students do not have the official capacity to treat athletes, but they can administer first aid once they have passed a course given by Franke. If students volunteer for longer periods of time, they are able to learn more advanced techniques, including wrapping of minor injuries and sprains. Applications for this program can be found in the Trainer’s Office.
Most of all, the trainers want to improve the connection between themselves and their athletes. “Many students do not come to us with an injury because of a fear of being sat out,” said Franke, “We are doing what is best for the athlete.”
