Any athlete will tell you that injuries are a constant, ominous presence throughout the season. They happen sporadically, without mercy, and they have the power to crush dreams by ending seasons as well as careers.

That’s why as an athlete, one who has had what many would consider a “career-ending” injury, I have the utmost respect for those in the field of sports medicine. With the help of my physical therapist, not only did I overcome my injury, but I returned to play, and became a much stronger athlete because of it. 

My personal journey incited my interest in sports medicine, and I ultimately decided to take the Medical/Therapeutic Principles of Sports Fitness class taught by Mr. Jack Sessions during my sophomore year at Arcadia High School (AHS). This has been, without a doubt, my most challenging class. From the beginning, students were tasked with memorizing every bone and muscle in the body. They also had to learn how to diagnose and treat injuries. I found the class to be fast paced, and it felt akin to learning another language. The online learning component only made the class harder. However, there was one group of students who rose above the challenge. 

Every year 50 schools, with around 1000 students from California, gather to compete in the California Sports Medicine Competition, including those in AHS’ Sports Medicine Program. Mr. Sessions, a California State University, Fullerton graduate who has been one of AHS’ certified Athletic Trainers for the past seven years, was faced with prepping AHS’ Sports Competition team under the constraints of online learning this year.

“Our class is 50% practical, so this year has been very difficult for students, and for teachers, but specifically for teachers, teaching these practical hands-on classes. We have had to improvise, adapt, and it has been an interesting challenge,” said Mr. Sessions. 

Prior to Mr. Sessions teaching the sports medicine classes, AHS did not compete regularly in the event. However, in 2019, they won the entire competition for the first time. Needless to say, the road to success has been a long one. 

Even so, under the guidance of Mr. Sessions, AHS students overcame the challenge. AHS took 3rd place out of 25 schools, and more than 350 students. Of the AHS competitors, Shreeya Kammari (3rd place overall in the medical abbreviations quiz), Jillian Krueger (4th place overall written/practical as well as 5th place overall in medical terminology quiz), and Kaya Chung (7th place overall written/practical) stood out. 

“This year more than ever it was on the students individually to study as I could not make meet up groups and practical times to work on things. So, to finish 3rd, and have individual students in the top 10 is full credit to the students in the class,” said Mr. Sessions. 

More importantly, “It is a great opportunity to compete but also network with medical professionals and other aspiring medical healthcare students,” said Mr. Sessions. 

That’s why Mr. Sessions encourages anyone interested in competing or interested in a career in the medical field to check out AHS’ medical healthcare classes. 

Photo courtesy of INMOTIONPTCHI.COM