Article reposted from Ottumwa Post
Author: Ottumwa Post
There’s a friendly new face on the sidelines at Schafer Field as well as several other practice facilities at OHS. Through a partnership with Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Heidi Sartorius-Chilton now serves as the Certified Athletic Trainer for Ottumwa High School.
Certified Athletic Trainers are trained to spot potential for injury, reduce injury rates and help student athletes safely return to play. “We are excited to welcome Heidi to OHS,” said Mike Egbert, Ottumwa Schools Athletic Director. “Having an athletic trainer present at practices and games benefits the students and coaches. They are trained to help ensure safe training and practice techniques; they can spot subtle changes in the athlete’s performance and respond quickly to prevent injury.”
Sartorius-Chilton brings experience at the collegiate level to her new role. She was a graduate assistant athletic trainer for two years at South Dakota State University and most recently served as an athletic trainer for Central College in Pella, Iowa where she was the primary trainer for the men’s and women’s soccer, tennis and indoor track and field programs.
Keeping student athletes safe and healthy is the number one priority for Ottumwa Schools and Ottumwa Regional Health Center. “When Mike Egbert and Ottumwa Schools approached us to see if we could help them meet this need, we absolutely wanted to help out,” said Phil Noel, Ottumwa Regional’s CEO. “Safety is at the core of our mission, whether it’s inside or outside the hospital’s walls. If we can help our kids enjoy sports safely, we’re glad to be here for them.”
Chilton-Sartorius is looking forward to her new role in Ottumwa. “I’ve spent the last couple of weeks digging into my new duties and putting some processes into place that I think will make a big difference. I’m really happy and excited to be a part of this; the school and the hospital have been very welcoming. We’re going to have a very good athletic training program here.” In addition to her presence at training and during games, Sartorius-Chilton will hold injury clinics at OHS on Saturdays during football fall sports. This clinic will be for student athletes for evaluation and treatment or referral if needed. She will also be working out of the OP Rehab Services Clinic at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.