When Therapy Calls!
By Darron Thomas
The concept of administering prompt therapy to treat physical injuries has been a part of sports for decades. More and more high school athletic programs have trainers and/or physicians readily available should an injury occur during an event. Many who share the same amount of years under the ole belt as me can remember football and basketball games a generation ago where no such immediate attention could be given in the case of an injury. The calls for grandma to “run get some ice” have been replaced by experienced professionals to insure that every precaution is taken to minimize damage. The luxury of knowing that knowledgeable help is nearby tends to bring a sense of assurance to coaches, players and fans during football particularly.
If you’re wondering where I’m going with this you may very well feel as I do when I’m done. As the 2009 football season approaches quicker than an LSU Tiger fan sticking a corndog in each pocket as he hurries to the restroom during halftime, I think it’s high time that another form of medical therapy be afforded this athletic season. Why should the kids get all the special treatment? After all, anyone that has attended lots of high school athletic events knows all to well that the attention directed by medical personal should be focused more on the parents sitting (or standing) in the stands. Why should Johnny or Sue be paid all that attention just because they're competing with risk of injury? Have you seen Johnny’s dad just beyond the fence that separates the player’s bench from the stands pacing north and south from one end of the field to the other like a nervous soon to be father in a hospital waiting room? Can he possibly have the stamina to make it four quarters? During the much needed water breaks shouldn’t someone rush over to him and help him re-hydrate during the timeout? Have you been to a basketball game and noticed a dad that on the surface has always been reserved and quite with not much to say, suddenly transform into Bobby Knight for four quarters?
Here’s where I’m going……..I’m no different than most parents with kids that loved high school sports. Having two sons that participated was a luxury of sorts because I knew in the back of my mind that when the oldest graduated I still had junior coming up. Well when junior graduated it was like an LSU fan getting back to his seat after a restroom run and realizing his corndogs were missing. In comes depression, despair, the thought of adoption to continue the thrill….THERAPY!
I got a call last night from an old friend that I attended high school with many years ago. He and I share many similarities……two sons that played sports, avid supporters of their school and the realization that each of us could no longer eagerly wait to see our son run out on the field or court anymore. So if you are one of those lucky parents who can still look forward to the next game and the anticipation of seeing your child compete just keep this in mind……Therapy is closer than you think!
God is great!
See ya somewhere……….
By Darron Thomas
The concept of administering prompt therapy to treat physical injuries has been a part of sports for decades. More and more high school athletic programs have trainers and/or physicians readily available should an injury occur during an event. Many who share the same amount of years under the ole belt as me can remember football and basketball games a generation ago where no such immediate attention could be given in the case of an injury. The calls for grandma to “run get some ice” have been replaced by experienced professionals to insure that every precaution is taken to minimize damage. The luxury of knowing that knowledgeable help is nearby tends to bring a sense of assurance to coaches, players and fans during football particularly.
If you’re wondering where I’m going with this you may very well feel as I do when I’m done. As the 2009 football season approaches quicker than an LSU Tiger fan sticking a corndog in each pocket as he hurries to the restroom during halftime, I think it’s high time that another form of medical therapy be afforded this athletic season. Why should the kids get all the special treatment? After all, anyone that has attended lots of high school athletic events knows all to well that the attention directed by medical personal should be focused more on the parents sitting (or standing) in the stands. Why should Johnny or Sue be paid all that attention just because they're competing with risk of injury? Have you seen Johnny’s dad just beyond the fence that separates the player’s bench from the stands pacing north and south from one end of the field to the other like a nervous soon to be father in a hospital waiting room? Can he possibly have the stamina to make it four quarters? During the much needed water breaks shouldn’t someone rush over to him and help him re-hydrate during the timeout? Have you been to a basketball game and noticed a dad that on the surface has always been reserved and quite with not much to say, suddenly transform into Bobby Knight for four quarters?
Here’s where I’m going……..I’m no different than most parents with kids that loved high school sports. Having two sons that participated was a luxury of sorts because I knew in the back of my mind that when the oldest graduated I still had junior coming up. Well when junior graduated it was like an LSU fan getting back to his seat after a restroom run and realizing his corndogs were missing. In comes depression, despair, the thought of adoption to continue the thrill….THERAPY!
I got a call last night from an old friend that I attended high school with many years ago. He and I share many similarities……two sons that played sports, avid supporters of their school and the realization that each of us could no longer eagerly wait to see our son run out on the field or court anymore. So if you are one of those lucky parents who can still look forward to the next game and the anticipation of seeing your child compete just keep this in mind……Therapy is closer than you think!
God is great!
See ya somewhere……….
