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Over the past five years, Clarkston School District has struggled to employ and retain
a certified athletic trainer at Clarkston High School (CHS). This has left high school sporting events without a consistent medical professional onsite, forcing students to rely on volunteers or minimally trained staff for injury evaluation. To address this, TriState Health and Clarkston School District have partnered to provide a full-time certified athletic trainer for the 2024-2025 school year.

The program is supported by the TriState Health Foundation, which was established in 1985 to encourage philanthropic contributions to enhance patient care. Certified Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals trained in injury prevention, immediate medical response, and rehabilitation. Having an athletic trainer onsite ensures prompt care, reduces injury risks through prevention, and provides tailored rehabilitation plans for student athletes.

“Having access to an athletic trainer is crucial for the success, health, and peace of mind of all athletes and stakeholders within Clarkston High School athletics,” said Brycen Bye, CHS Head Football Coach. He emphasized the importance of having trained medical professionals for both emergency care and routine recovery treatments.

At the start of the 2024 school year, Mika Rives, DAT, LAT, ATC, began his role as CHS’s Athletic Trainer, thanks to the support of TriState Health. Certified in Washington and Idaho, Mika earned his Master’s and Doctorate in Athletic Training from the University of Idaho. During his academic journey, he gained experience as a teaching assistant, clinic athletic trainer, and sports event medical support.

“As a high school and collegiate athlete, I experienced frequent injuries. That exposure inspired me to pursue athletic training. I had amazing role models who demonstrated how impactful this role can be,” Mika shared.

Each school day, Mika prepares for student athletes, addressing their diverse medical needs in a fast-paced environment. Through the 2024 fall semester, Mika recorded over 1,200 treatment interactions with student athletes. He creates personal rehab plans, secures tape for ankles, wrists, thumbs, and more, while also providing quality treatments to student athletes who are unable to practice. He monitors injuries, adjusts treatment plans, and ensures athletes are ready for practice or games. On game days, he’s equipped with medical kits, ready to provide effective care and respond to emergencies, if needed.

Having a consistent onsite athletic trainer reduces sports-related injuries and recovery times. This presence fosters a culture of safety within CHS athletics, where students and coaches become more aware of best practices. Over time, this culture will extend beyond sports, promoting resilience and well-being in other areas of life.

The TriState Health Foundation continues to support initiatives like this to enhance local healthcare services. Community contributions help ensure programs like the Athletic Training Program thrive, keeping the community safe and healthy for years to come.