PRIORY SPORTS MEDICINE
The Woodside Priory athletic training program has expanded significantly
since last year, 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 (http://www.healthsciences.duq.edu/at/info.cfm)
and San Jose State University (http://www2.sjsu.edu/depts/hup/gradath/gradath.cfm).
Ms. Payne is assisted by student athletic training interns from San Jose
State University and Priory students partaking in the Kinesiology course.
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
(http://www.nata.org) 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.