Keeping athletes from nearly 20 sports organizations healthy can be quite a daunting task.
The health of the athletes at Cleveland State University is crucial to the success of the university’s teams.
CSU head athletic trainer Jaqueline Wise knows the importance of her role at a school with so many sports.
“Just seeing an athlete being able to return to their sport is very rewarding,” Wise said.
Wise oversees the day-to-day operations of the Sports Medicine department at CSU. When asked what she does, Wise had one answer — “everything.”
Wise is in charge of three full-time athletic trainers, as well as two interns.
On top of her management job, Wise directs care of the athletes, which can include administering drug testing, managing appointments and dealing with student insurance. She also has to travel with the teams.
Wise works mainly with the men’s and women’s swimming team, as well as the volleyball team.
Wise loves the interaction with the student athletes and the coaches.
She described the coaching staff’s demeanor as understanding and respectful.
An injury can be devastating to an athlete, as it can possibly end a season, or even an athletic career.
Wise said the student athletes often worry about missing practice or events, meaning the mental and emotional side of recovery can often be the real challenge.
One of the most common injuries she sees sustained by athletes is concussions.
Wise is very happy with the progress of the concussion protocols and equipment used by CSU.
“We take concussions very seriously,” Wise said.
If a player has concussion symptoms, he or she is required to sit out from all activities for one day and must be medically cleared before returning.
Wise said there is no set number of concussions before an athlete is recommended to cease participation for good. The number simply varies by person.
After a number they view as worrisome, Wise and the rest of the training staff sits down with the athlete and their family to discuss the athlete’s future and the best course of action.
Before the season even begins, athletes undergo multiple tests to determine whether or not they are healthy enough to play.
“All athletes must have a physical through the Cleveland Clinic,” Wise said.
She said some of the players get through the testing very quickly, while other may take more time due to physical issues.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.csucauldron.com/sports/article_5787d9d6-60dd-11e5-8423-ab4605e29592.html