By: Lucio A. Mazzucchi
April 3rd, 2024
In the center of Philadelphia's high school sports scene, an issue emerges: sports injuries. Following the scarcity of resources for proper safety equipment and medical personnel, this problem is not only a matter of awareness for physical wellness but also a reflection of deeper challenges within the school district’s sports.
Miguel Delrosario had collapsed in the dying minutes of the tied soccer game against Palumbo. He lay on the turf of the South Philly Supersite, calling for help as he grabbed his hamstring. Jayden Colson, Varsity Soccer captain at G.W. Carver High School, recalls the tense game where the absence of athletic trainers on the sidelines became noticeable.
"It was a crucial match, and seeing one of our key players down with no professional help available was frustrating," Colson reflects, having to provide treatment to his teammate.
Lack of athletic trainers often results in the hard decision of deciding where each one should be allocated, leaving less “important” sports to manage with minimal support.
"They're sent to cover as many events as they can, obviously, but there's no way you're gonna cover everything," says Athletic Director Scott Pitzner. G.W.
Carver eventually won the game in thriller fashion, with a golden goal win in overtime to advance to the Sub-Playoff Finals. The challenge of having athletic trainers present and adequate equipment raises questions about safety in high school sports.
“We don't have that many (athletic trainers). I think there's like maybe eight total for all sports for the whole district,” Director Pitzner speaks on the logistical challenges. “We have an outside company that works as athletic trainers; we have a partnership with UPenn and that is who provides athletic trainers for the whole school district of Philadelphia."
The importance of basic first aid knowledge and ensuring that essential supplies are always at hand, whether an athletic trainer is present or not, is good for starters. However, this makeshift approach is far from ideal.
"Having Band-Aids and ice packs can only go so far. What we need is consistent access to professionals who understand sports-related injuries and how to prevent them," Varsity Basketball player Dwayne Figueroa says.
Blake Iezzi, a former Varsity Soccer Goalkeeper and current Public League Golf Champion, shares a difficult experience from his early sporting days that left a lasting impact.
"When I tore my ACL, I was told to 'walk it off' after getting an ice pack. If there was somebody with proper knowledge on handling injuries, maybe I wouldn’t have just ‘walked it off’ and gotten the proper care." His journey through recovery lasted years of physical therapy.
Sports injuries in Philadelphia's high school sports scene shed light on the critical need for enhanced safety measures and medical support. The accounts of athletes like Miguel Delrosario and Blake Iezzi underscore the real-life consequences of insufficient resources and the absence of trained personnel. While other solutions like basic first aid knowledge and limited supplies may provide temporary relief, they fall short of addressing the bigger issues. The school district must invest in solutions, including increasing the number of athletic trainers and ensuring access to proper equipment. Without these measures, the well-being of student-athletes remains at risk.
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