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| Athletic Directors Speak Out About TOPS | ||
TOPS physicals are among the most extensive sports physical available to student athletes in the United States. Athletic directors and coaches recognize the value of these examinations for their students and applaud the efforts of Dr. Steingard, Dr. Rappoport, the TOPS medical team, volunteers and sponsors. Early detection of health problems can and does save lives.
Rob Roberson, Athletic Director for Sunnyslope High School, has been an enthusiastic supporter of the event for the full five years he has been with the school. “The TOPS screenings are a great idea,” he explained. “The physicals are far more thorough than the exams students would receive if they went to a doctor’s office to fulfill the physical examination requirement. And it’s free for the parents and students – a small time commitment on one Saturday and they’re done!” Nearly 400 athletes from Sunnyslope High School will be participating in the event. Mr. Roberson recalls how the screening saved a student’s life two years ago, through early detection of a heart condition. “ I encourage all coaches and parents to get 100% behind this event,” Roberson said. “Have a Spring Sports Day where students are required to have the TOPS physical, instead of attending practice. Talk about the event at parent club meetings – it’s one of the best things you can do for your students.” ---------------------------------------------- Glendale District High School Athletic Director Jim Threadgill has worked with the TOPS program since it began more than 8 years ago. “This is a real opportunity for young athletes in my district,” he said. “I have four children and all of them participate in sports and have screenings through TOPS. As a parent, former coach and current administrator, I believe that TOPS is a real service offered to students in my district. This service fulfills a requirement students have for sports physicals at no cost to parents.” ---------------------------------------------- Sid Bailey, current Principal at a Cave Creek High School and former Athletic Mr. Bailey, who serves as a liaison with TOPS for the Glendale District, applauds the medical community for their participation in this event. “To provide nearly 2,000 physicals in one day requires a lot of effort on the part of physicians and other medical professionals,” he explained. “The logistics of organizing this event take a lot of effort throughout the year and I’ve seen these medical volunteers overcome every challenge. It’s refreshing to see this deep commitment to providing young athletes with this type of first class physical.” ---------------------------------------------- Athletic Director Moody Jackson, Ph.D., has been with Phoenix Union High School for 27 years. A strong supporter of TOPS from its inception, he believes that the free screenings are a valuable service for schools in Maricopa County. Mr. Jackson explains, “These physicals include an EKG and other important tests that students would not receive from a standard physical in a doctor’s office. It’s a wonderful community service that helps protect the health of our students and it’s free for the parents – a win/win situation.” He added that the EKG portion of the sports screening can detect early signs of heart disease. ---------------------------------------------- Coaches: To order a free TOPS video or DVD with details about the program, call the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association at 602-266-6699. |
Director for Glendale Union District (as well as Principal for Washington High School), has supported the TOPS event as both Principal and Athletic Director for the past 6 years. “It’s phenomenal,” he said. “Every city in the United States should be part of this program. It’s not just a generic physical. Parents would have to pay several hundred dollars to provide their children with an examination like this in a doctor’s office.”