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PRIORY SPORTS MEDICINE

The Woodside Priory athletic training program has expanded significantly over the last few years, playing a crucial role in keeping Priory athletics running smoothly. The program is lead by Ellen Payne, M.A., ATC, CSCS, graduate of Duquesne University and San Jose State University. Ms. Payne is assisted by student athletic training interns from San Jose State University and Priory students partaking in the Sports Medicine and Kinesiology courses.

The goal of the athletic trainer is to return the athlete to play as soon as possible with increased strength and improved technique in order to prevent further injury. Athletic trainers provide swift evaluations, appropriate first aid treatment and progressive rehabilitation programs. The skilled taping or bracing of injuries combined with stretching and strengthening techniques are provided by the athletic trainer to maintain the health of Priory's athletes. Visit the National Athletic Trainers' Association for more information on athletic training.

PRIORY KINESIOLOGY CLASS
Striving to educate Priory students about sports medicine, Ms. Payne has created two Kinesiology courses offered to students in grades 10-12. Throughout the two courses the students involved acquire many valuable skills including CPR and First Aid certification, taping techniques, and injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The students in the class are required to spend a minimum of 15 hours per quarter expanding their knowledge through hands on experience while working in the athletic training room, or at Priory athletic events.

The athletic training program has many opportunities beneficial to its student participants. Over the last two years they have had the opportunity to tour both the San Francisco Giants and the San Jose Sharks athletic training facilities. Alexa Zappas, a participant of last years Kinesiology class, volunteered with Ms. Payne in September during the Dew Action Sports Tour. While there, they worked with professional BMX riders and skateboarders competing in the national competition.

SPORTS MEDICINE COMPETITION
In 2007, three students from the Kinesiology class attended a high school athletic training competition at St. Francis High School (http://www.sfhssportsmedicine.com/about.cfm) in Southern California, where their knowledge, skills, and training were put to the test. The group was very successful, placing 3rd out of many capable schools (all with larger teams then the Priory’s). This April, Ms. Payne's class will be returning to the competition where they hope to be as successful, if not more successful, than the previous year.

Other sports medicine links:
• California Athletic Trainers Association
• Far West Athletic Trainers Association
• National Athletic Trainers Association

Ms. Payne can be contacted at epayne@woodsidepriory.com or (650) 851-6128.