GCCC Sports Medicine Excels at Second Annual KJCCC Sports Medicine Olympics
[Garden City, KS] April 29, 2024 - The Garden City Community College Sports Medicine student program showcased its exceptional skills at the second annual KJCCC Sports Medicine Olympics, securing an impressive second place overall. Held in Hutchinson on April 28th, the event brought together sports medicine programs from multiple Kansas community colleges and universities for a day of competition and camaraderie.
The GCCC team secured first place in taping and immediate injury care, while placing second in the other three events. Their outstanding performance culminated in a final score of 527.5 out of 600 possible points, narrowly losing the championship spot by four points to Hutchinson Community College.
The KJCCC Sports Medicine Olympics featured five skill events: taping, ace wrapping, wound care, immediate injury care, and anatomy identification. A panel of program directors from the Masters of Athletic Training Education Programs across Kansas judged the participants on proficiency and expertise. The event began with engaging sessions during which program directors interacted with students, offering insights into the diverse sports medicine programs available in Kansas.
Allison Griffin, Head Athletic Trainer at GCCC, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its significance in recognizing the students' dedication and accomplishments. Griffin remarked, "This event is our students' 'game day,' where they can showcase their hard work and expertise learned. They work relentlessly behind the scenes of our athletic teams, getting athletes ready for game day. This group exemplifies the values of Garden City Community College and serves as a source of pride for our institution."
Reflecting on her students' exceptional performance, Griffin added, "The energy, enthusiasm, and passion displayed by our students were unparalleled. Their relentless commitment to excellence is truly commendable. While they may have narrowly missed the championship title, their dedication is unwavering. 'Proud' does not even begin to touch how I feel about these young men and women. Win or lose, this is a group that I am blessed to have come through the doors of this program. They are the future of healthcare, and we are lucky to have been a step on their journey."
The students who competed on the GCCC team include Lily Sanchez, Jelena Milovanovic, Abby Gillen, Dalton Foreman, Hannah Duncan, Isaiah Dixon, Jaelyn Wheaton, Jaylene Hernandez, Jeremiah "Jerry" Houdashelt, Kadence Butteris, Kazuma Narumi, Samanta Orozco, Shawn Dreiling, and Sidney Scruggs.
The GCCC Sports Medicine program offers the opportunity to gain clinical shadowing and hands-on skills and experience in the field of athletic training. Students of the program assist the certified athletic trainers in the treatment and care of student-athletes across 17 NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) teams on campus. Students learn first-aid, emergency care, injury evaluation and treatment techniques, functional anatomy, and much more. Students provide medical coverage at practices and games and may have the opportunity to travel with our athletic teams to conference, regional, and national events.
For more information about the GCCC Sports Medicine program, contact Alli at allison.griffin@gcccks.edu.
GCCC Team at 2nd Annual KJCCC Sports Medicine Olympics.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.