MISD Student Trainers Help from the Sidelines

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They may be standing on the sidelines during game time, but they are the stars of the show when it comes to the health of Mansfield ISD’s student-athletes.

The MISD Student Athletic Trainer Program consists of high school students who help take care of student-athletes.

Students in the program treat injuries, keep athletes hydrated and serve as the eyes and ears on the field or court.

“All a fan sees or a parent sees when they come to a game is a student trainer holding a water bottle and a towel and standing there. That’s kind of our down time,” said district trainer Andy Starnes. “All of our action happens before the game and during the week during practice.”

Strength tapes a wrist before football practice begins.

There are approximately 30 student athletic trainers across MISD.

Starnes said having the trainers is essential to the district’s athletics program because they provide extra help to the thousands of students who participate in sports.

“Without those guys, we couldn’t do what we do. There’s no way,” he added. “We have almost 900 athletes here at Mansfield High School, and each of the campuses have a number of athletes.”

A day as a student athletic trainer can be time consuming. They tape injuries, lug coolers, fill water tanks and restock medical kits, just to name a few.

Despite the work, the students said their job is very rewarding.

“I like to help others, and that’s what I want to do as a living, so this is a way for me to be able to do that,” said Bailey Strength, a junior at Mansfield High.

“My favorite part is being able to spend time with the other trainers,” said sophomore Brianna Devito. “We’re like a family.”

Many of the student athletic trainers have gone on to pursue careers in sports medicine. Those interested in the MISD Student Athletic Trainer Program can contact one of the campus athletic trainers.

Students with Special Needs Growing Through Sports

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Mansfield ISD students with special needs have a way to participate in year-round sports.

With the help of staff members and volunteers, Mansfield ISD All-Stars provides children in the special education program sports training and athletic competitions.

The students can choose from aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling, tennis and track and field.

“This allows our students to do an extracurricular activity too,” said Rebecca Poggensee, an MISD adaptive P.E. teacher. “Having this type of program allows our students to interact with other students throughout the district who are similar to them.”

The students and volunteers have fun  socializing between practice runs.

MISD parent Deborah Weete said she appreciates having an organized activity where peers and adults can work together to help students reach their full potential.

“[Ava’s] involved with a group of people who love and support her no matter what her abilities are,” Weete said about her daughter. "That's what I love about it."

Coaches said the excitement on the children’s faces as they push themselves to meet personal goals is the highlight of being a part of the Mansfield ISD All-Stars.

“The experience that you get to see on their faces is like they have won the most important thing in their life,” Poggensee explained. “Just to see them beaming with pride is amazing.”

The athletes and coaches are currently in the track and field season. The team will participate at the Special Olympics Texas in Arlington on May 24-27, featuring nearly 3,000 athletes from all around the state of Texas.

View more information about Mansfield ISD All-Stars here.

Schools Introduce Competitive Play for Younger Students

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For younger students who want to play an organized sport, an outside league used to be their only option.

Now, more Mansfield ISD elementary and intermediate schools are starting their own competitive leagues to increase student involvement.

“The district guiding statement is every student will participate in an extracurricular or co-curricular activity,” said Tamara Liddell, principal of Janet Brockett Elementary School. “We, along with several other Mansfield ISD schools, wanted to take that vision to another level.”

Brockett Elementary teamed up with seven MISD elementary schools to create a basketball league for third- and fourth-grade boys. Games are played in front of a packed house on Monday nights, and practices are held throughout the week.

Cheerleading clubs have also been created at schools to
cheer the boys on.

Coach Ron Middleton said it teaches the kids to be successful student-athletes. He said the kids learn discipline and character. In addition, every one of his students gives a grade report to their other teachers to make sure academics remains the focus.

“These kids are students first and athletes second,” explained the Brockett Elementary P.E. teacher. “You have to make sure you’re on top of your game—not only on the court but in the classroom as well.”

The idea is catching on at the intermediate level as well. Although Donna Shepard Intermediate School does not play against other schools, the intramural program introduced this year still receives large participation.

“They get to stay here after school and be with their friends in a safe environment and still be active,” said P.E. teacher Lesley Burke. “It just enhances those competitive skills and helps them to be a good winner and a good sport.”

Shepard Intermediate’s intramural program offers dodgeball, basketball, volleyball and soccer. The fifth- and sixth-graders will also have a chance to compete in video gaming later this school year.