Coaches Clinic Focuses on Player Concussions

MARION — Keeping young athletes healthy is a critical part of successful coaching. On Friday, over 80 area coaches gathered at Rent One Park's Diamond Club in Marion for a first-of-its-kind clinic that provided information to help keep their athletes in prime condition. Sponsored by Southern Illinois Healthcare, Sportsology and SIH Medicine, the clinic covered topics ranging from concussions and nutrition to weight training.

Sportsology program coordinator and athletic trainer Sarai Yates was instrumental in planning and coordinating the free clinic that also offered four continuing professional development units to those attending. Herrin High School's Jason Karnes was one area coach in attendance. Karnes, who as been at the helm of the Tigers' football program for over a decade, had nothing but praise for the clinic. "It was a very, very informative clinic," he said. "I know it's the first year and they were nervous, apprehensive on how it would go, but I learned a lot." Karnes said the presenters did a good job. "It was very well-organized," he said. "We (HHS) have been very blessed to have Sarai Yates and SIH on board with our school for 12 years. That has been a great thing." The 80-plus coaches attending represented sports such as gymnastics, soccer, football, baseball, wrestling and basketball. Along with the presentations, the panel of experts (Dr. Scott Schonewolf, Dr. Tom Murphy and Sportsology trainers Mike Stroud, Brad Brush and Yates) also held a question-and-answer session prior to hearing closing remarks from Southern Illinois Miners coach Ralph Santana. Yates said she was happy with the event. "We had an awesome turnout for the first coaches clinic," she said. "We hope to make it an annual event."

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