HELPING OUR SCHOOLS
Local doctors lend expertise, aid to high school athletic program
By GEORGIA PURDY

DR. RICHARD RIGGINS, left, and Jasper ISD athletic trainer Joe Guthrie assist a referee off the field after he was injured during a football game last year. Riggins assists the athletic program, not only by being on the field at games, but by offering free physicals for athletes prior to the season.

Last May, 230 student athletes from Rowe, Jasper Junior High and Jasper High School lined up to get free physicals provided by volunteers- a savings of about $8,000 if each were to pay for those in a doctor's office.

Dr. Richard Riggins and Nurse Practitioner Sandy Harmon conducted the exams, a job they have been doing for eight and six years, respectively.

"A lot of children can't afford to pay the cost," Harmon said. "In addition, it is difficult for many parents to schedule appointments. This is my way of giving something back to the community."

When Dr. Bryce Thomas, the long-time team physician decided to step down, Dr. Riggins was working in the same clinic and "graciously took over" according to JISD Athletic Trainer Joe Guthrie. Riggins, too, sees his volunteer role as a way of giving to the community.

"I wanted to try to help the sports teams and make sure these guys are healthy," Riggins said. "They (student athletes) are a big part of the community and bringing us together. By volunteering my services, I can give back to the community."

Dr. Larry Brown also donates time to student athletes and can be seen walking the sidelines every Friday night during football season.

"Dr. Brown has always been available to help with student athletes," Guthrie said. "Both he and Dr. Riggins have been the team's physicians for the past 10 years. They both are great about seeing our students if we need to get one in."

Sometimes students miss the free physicals and Dr. Brown also helps out there.

"Dr. Brown helps by offering a reduced rate to families who don't have health insurance and has missed the free physicals," Guthrie said. "He also volunteered to help with physicals last year but there was some scheduling confusion and we couldn't work it out."

Athletic Director Danny Lauve says he appreciates the professional care and service given by both Brown and Riggins to the football team.

"On Friday night, it is especially good to have them at the games because football is so physical," Lauve said. "What a lot of people don't realize is that when we go off the field at halftime, Dr. Riggins and Dr. Brown are with us. Alot happens on the field- a lot of little dings. Kids may get hurt but are able to play, so at half time, the docs and Joe Guthrie take a look and treat any injuries that need it. They also assess players who may need to sit out the second half. It's great to have quality professionals associated with our program."

Treatment isn't always confined to the football field. Sometimes, a player needs an evaluation that cannot be conducted on the spot.

"One night after a game, Dr. Brown opened up his office at 10:45 p.m. to x-ray one of our athlete's shoulders," Guthrie said. "That is the kind of example that shows how important he is and how much he cares about the athletes. It is definitely beneficial to have doctors on the sidelines to get their evaluations and advice or to stitch something something up, and it is especially beneficial at away games."

In addition, Dr. Riggins comes out to the fieldhouse once a week after school when there are players who are being treated.

"Dr. Riggins comes out on Wednesday afternoons," Lauve said. "He gets together with Joe Guthrie to evaluate student injuries."

These medical professionals provide a service that would be costly if parents had to pay for it, and there would be many youngsters who could not afford to participate in sports.

By donating their time, they not only insure the safety and health of Jasper's student athletes, their service allows more students to participate.

"They care very much for the wellbeing and success of JISD's student athletes," Guthrie said. "We would love to get more volunteers involved in the process."