Ambulance lights flashed. The nearly full stadium fell silent. All eyes were glued to sophomore safety Daniel Young lying motionless on the ground. The expressions the players exchanged wordlessly conveyed how bad this one was. No one moved except for Young’s father fighting through the stands, rushing to his son’s side. Five minutes passed and still no movement from Young.
Since an ambulance is not kept on site for JV football games, it was the trainers’ responsibility to give him care. Though the tension was high, junior Mary Ryan and sophomore Kendra Hess knew exactly what they had to do.
“In the moment you have so much adrenaline and it’s scary,” Ryan said. “But you have to focus on the player and ensure he’ll be okay.”
Ryan has been involved in the sports medicine program since the beginning of her sophomore year. Every morning she arrives earlier than the players with the other trainers to prepare for morning practices. Many of the trainers also attend after school practices that last until 7 p.m.
In addition, the trainers attend all Thursday and Friday football games. It’s common for them to get home as late as midnight on game days.
“[Sports medicine] is our first priority, before jobs and everything,” Ryan said. “I quit my job for this.”’
Regardless of the time commitment, the girls see the value of the hours they contribute to the players and some plan on using the knowledge they’ve acquired as trainers later on in college.
“I plan on getting a dual degree in both physical therapy and athletic training in college,” Hess said. “The hours pay off not in dollars, but in experience.”
The girls’ knowledge was put to the test when Young fell on his neck during the game versus Hebron and was left on the ground unable to move.
“Everyone was scared,” Hess said. “I knew what my job was and even though I was worried, I couldn’t show that to him. Remembering what we had learned, we prepared him for the stretcher.”
The trainers lifted his neck, assuring him that he would be okay. The players all remained on a knee, silently praying from the sideline.
“People were distressed everywhere when they realized he couldn’t move,” Ryan said. “But as trainers we had to continue our jobs no matter the situation, as we had been taught.”
When the paramedics arrived, the trainers helped lift Young onto the stretcher and watched as he was escorted away. Young suffered from a cervical sprain in his spine that night but is expected to return to play this week. He said he was grateful for the trainers’ quick response.
“I’m glad they were around,” Young said. “I’m thankful that they kept me safe.”
Though this moment was serious, Ryan said she is glad her experience and practice was put to use.
“You always see these things on TV but it’s much different in real life,” Ryan said. “I’m thankful I could help.”
