From taping up an ankle to a rehab routine for an injury, trainers like Kyle Rabuck, head trainer, are there to meet the student-athletes’ needs as they play during their sports season. Rabuck and other trainers spend countless hours taking care of athletes to get them ready to go for their games and season.
Rabuck explained a little bit about his job and the spring sports season.
“Spring probably is the busiest season of the year,” Rabuck said. There are many sports going on during the spring such as, baseball, softball, lacrosse, track and field, etc. and with all of those sports going on at once, there can be a lot of injuries involved.
He added, “There are events almost every day,” which can lead to many more possible injuries the trainers have to be ready for.
Rabuck and the other trainers have to divide up the events between each other to decide who goes to what game.
“Myself and Jeni meet at the beginning of the season and select who is going to which games. We try to share all of the sports, so we know what is going on with them all.”
Although the trainers are able to go to most sporting events in the spring, Rabuck added, “getting all the events covered, along with providing good medical care can be a challenge at times.”
Even with it being a challenge sometimes, Rabuck keeps a good mindset, “Every day is a new day that has its own adversity. No time to worry about the past, move forward and adapt to what comes at you each day,” he said.
All and all, he cares a lot about the student-athletes he cares for as he mentioned, “I strive to do whatever is best for the athletes.”
Another source who has gone to Kyle for injury help is Will Kons, senior.
Kons described his good experience with the trainers.
“It has been a pleasant experience being able to work with great trainers. Both Jeni and Kyle have great knowledge of what they are doing and they are very caring and genuinely want to improve the health of Homestead’s athletes. It has been great being able to build connections with both of them through my four years of being a student-athlete at Homestead.”
When Kons got injured during his senior volleyball season, the trainers helped him.
“Kyle and Jeni both helped me by making sure my thumb and wrist were always taped for each practice and game after that to ensure that no more damage was done to my hand and also to ensure that I would still be able to play as close to full capacity as possible.”
Griffin Bowers, senior, has also had a positive experience with the trainers.
“Kyle and Jenny have impacted me in a very positive way. They are both very personable people and are always willing to help, or even just talk. I appreciate how dedicated our trainers are. No matter what they are always there to help athletes in need. I appreciate how understanding and personable all of our trainers are.”
They also helped Bowers throughout the football season this year as he had some ankle problems.
“They have both helped me rehabilitate my ankle so I could play football this fall, and being able to play this last fall led me to committing to play football at St.Thomas this year,” he said.
