RCPS students dive into sports medicine at Student Athletic Aide camp

First year students in the RCPS Student Athletic Aide Program Training Camp held June 2019. (Pictured left to right) Back row: Brianna Pinnock (Salem High School); Crosby McFall (Heritage High School); Isabella Cooper (Rockdale County High School); Anthony Neil (Edwards Middle School); Samaddi Burse (RCHS).  Middle row: Jasmine Davis (SHS); Trinayah Harris (SHS); Alexia Boyd (HHS); Christiana Damron (RCHS); Mya Solomon (HHS); Ebony Evans (RCHS); RCPS Athletic Director Dr. Kechia Rowles; Athletic Trainer Chelsea Ector. Front row – Oakland McFall (EMS); Abigail Sweeney (HHS); Imani Birden (HHS); SkyLah Parker (RCHS); Aliyah McKnight (RCHS); and Destiny Landy (HHS).

Rockdale County Public School (RCPS) students take their first step into careers in sports medicine with the 13th annual RCPS Student Athletic Aide Program Training Camp, held June 2019 at Salem High School. The multi-year program trains middle and high school students to serve as Student Athletic Aides for school sports teams at games and provides additional training for team managers.

During the week of June 17-20, first-year Student Athletic Aide trainees learned about human anatomy, CPR, concussions, treating and wrapping sprained limbs, and more. In addition, students heard from guest speakers about a variety of careers, such as athletic trainer at the collegiate and professional level, physical therapist, orthopedic physician or physician assistant, and more.

For more information about the RCPS Student Athletic Aide Program, contact RCPS Athletic Director Dr. Kechia Rowles at krowles@rockdale.k12.ga.usor visit www.rockdaleschools.org/saa

RCPS Athletic Director Dr. Kechia Rowles demonstrates proper taping techniques as Alexia Boyd (HHS), Mya Solomon (HHS), and Christiana Damron (RCHS) observe and practice.

Guest speaker and sports medicine consultant Dr. Michael Douglas, a Teaching fellow at Morehouse College and former Director of Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer for the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, speaks with students in the RCPS Student Athletic Aide Program Training Camp about his experiences and the role of athletic trainers and clinicians.