Hamilton Sports Medicine (HSM) is proud to celebrate National Athletic Training Month this March. With the theme “Champions in Health Care” the month recognizes the vital role athletic trainers play in keeping athletes safe, healthy, and performing at their best.
For more than 20 years, Hamilton Medical Center has provided certified athletic trainers to local schools, ensuring student-athletes receive expert care. Today, 12 HSM athletic trainers serve schools across the region:
- Ryan Bonanno – Manager
- Antoine Simmons – Coahulla Creek High School
- Meg Connelly – Northwest Whitfield High School
- Justin Poff – Dalton High School
- Megan Kennedy & Sherman Howze – Dalton State College
- Jordan Brown – North Murray High School
- Tony Mathis – Southeast Whitfield High School
- Pranay Shah – Murray County High School
- Kelly Henschel – Christian Heritage School
- Jennifer Howard – The Dalton Academy
- Amaris Alas – Calhoun High School
A Commitment to Community and Athlete Safety
“We’re proud of our commitment to keeping local athletes as safe as possible,” said Ryan Bonanno, HSM manager. “Not only do we provide injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation, but we also play an active role in our community.”
HSM athletic trainers go beyond the sidelines, volunteering at community events like the Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic and providing free physicals for student-athletes.
“Athletic trainers serve as the bridge between the medical field and physically active individuals,” said Sherman Howze. “We provide cost-effective healthcare solutions by reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, minimizing re-injury risk, and ensuring proper rehabilitation.”
Expert Care for Athletes
In collaboration with orthopedic surgeons, HSM athletic trainers offer:
- On-site injury evaluation, rehabilitation, and reconditioning
- Game and practice preparation and emergency medical coverage
- Biomechanical motion analysis and injury risk assessment
- Pre-season screenings, physicals, and concussion testing
- Workshops on injury prevention and treatment
- Advocacy for safer playing conditions and proper equipment use
Additionally, HSM provides American Heart Association CPR and AED certification training to the athletic coaching staff at partner schools, further enhancing emergency preparedness.
Highly Trained and Certified Professionals
HSM athletic trainers have completed accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in athletic training and hold certifications from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and state board licensing. Their expertise spans injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, and emergency care.
“Our main focus is helping athletes prevent injuries and stay healthy,” added Bonanno. “We take pride in being a trusted resource for student-athletes, coaches, and families in our community.”
For more information on Hamilton Sports Medicine and its services, visit www.hamiltonhealth.com/sportsmedicine.