When some employees are called on the mat, it’s not a good thing. For Andi Sumerfelt, it’s part of her job.
Sumerfelt is the athletic trainer at Sterling High School, a role she’s filled for the past 8 years. Sometimes, that role calls for her to be at an athlete’s side when things are at their worst, but that’s when Sumerfelt has to be at her best.
How long have you been a trainer?
I’ve been at Sterling High School for 8 years. I graduated college in 1994. I was a trainer at Polo High School for 5 years. Then, I was the trainer at Dixon High School for 8 years. I came to Sterling High School and they hired me outright.
Are you the only one at the school?
I’m the only trainer at Sterling High School for every sport.
What made you want to become a trainer?
I was an athlete in high school and I liked medicine. I still wanted to contribute to sports. I was involved with volleyball, hockey and softball in high school.
What is needed to become a trainer?
A 4-year bachelor’s of science degree with an emphasis in exercise science. You have to take a national certified exam and you have to get state licensed. I also have to take 25 hours of continuing education every year. There is a national certification exam you have to take and there is a 30 percent passing rate for that.
What are your duties?
Basically, it’s evaluation of injuries and treatment, whether its pre-op or post-op surgery. I can refer students to doctors if it’s beyond my care. I also ensure the safety of the athletes. I also make sure coaches are certified in CPR. When they are practicing, I might not be right here. Taping is a big part of pre-practice and pre-games.
What is the worst thing you have seen at the high school level as a trainer?
There was a wrestler who broke and dislocated his elbow a couple years back. His elbow was bent backwards. That was pretty bad. Athletic trainers have to be a little bit sick because we like that kind of stuff; that is where we can help. The first thing I did was to look at the athletic director and I gave him the phone signal to call the ambulance. I yelled to one of the coaches to get some ice. We try to immobilize and try to calm the individual until the ambulance get here. That happened here and it was a kid from Sycamore. When we are hosting an event, I take care of other athletes as well.
What do you get out of being a trainer?
I have extremely big job satisfaction. Parents are very grateful that I am here. They are appreciative and they tell me. Coaches as well are very happy that I am here. I get self satisfaction knowing that I can help them. I can help influence them possibly.
What do you do during the school day?
I track attendance. Any student that has been called off, I enter that in our program. If a student is not at school, I call home to see where they are. I also sell clothing. When the nurse takes lunch, any sick students come to see me. There is a lot going on.
Meet Andy Sumerfelt
Age: 44
Married: No
Kids: No. These [students] are my kids. I decided when I was in high school that I didn’t want children. I enjoy my career. I’m here on average 60 to 70 hours a week and I think it would not be wise to have kids.
Education: Attended Shakopee High School in Minnesota. I also attended Winona State University in Minnesota with a bachelor’s of science degree in exercise science specializing in athletic training.
Favorite food: Italian or Mexican. I need to have my El Tapatio a least every 2 weeks.
Favorite sports movie: “When The Game Stands Tall.”
Favorite TV show: It’s between “How To Get Away With Murder” or “Intervention.” I’ve been getting into “Intervention.” I also really like to solve things, so that’s why I like “How To Get Away With Murder.” I can’t figure that one out.
If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where you go? Australia or New Zealand. There is so much to do. Swim the Great Barrier Reef, go out into The Outback, sailing. I’d like to go bungee jumping in New Zealand.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.saukvalley.com/2015/10/01/qa-with-sterling-high-school-athletic-trainer-andi-sumerfelt/aavorb2/?page=2