Post Written by Dr. Michael Hudson
On Monday, August 19, and Tuesday, August 20, faculty and students from the Department of Sports Medicine and Athletic Training (SMAT) volunteered their time and expertise to the Springfield area Mighty Mites Youth Football program by helping fit football equipment for this year’s players. The Mighty Mites Inc. program is for children in grade school from the first grade through the sixth grade. The Springfield area program includes participants from Springfield, Missouri and also Ava, Buffalo, Fair Grove, Fordland, Nixa, Rogersville, Sparta, Spokane, Strafford and Willard.
Faculty members—Dr. Tona Hetzler, Dr. W. David Carr, Dr. Michael Hudson, and Dr. Allan Liggett—along with graduate—Meghan Mulloy—and undergraduate students—Whitney Bixler, Melanie Burkholder, and Kurtis Stephens—worked alongside other volunteers for the youth program to make sure the players’ football helmets and shoulder pads were properly fitted before beginning their practices and playing their games. Each member of the SMAT Department has a great affection for sports because they know all the benefits sports can offer the individual and community; however, they also greatly appreciate the risks that come with playing sports. That is why the SMAT Department wanted to help make sure the players got off to a good with their season. We wish the players, coaches, staff, parents, and other volunteers of the Mighty Mites Youth Football program a highly successful and safe season. If you would like any additional information about the youth football program, please visit their web site at http://www.mightymitesfootball.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.home.