Trainers aim to put brakes on illness

Johnna Espinoza

The Idaho Statesman | Edition Date: 02-25-2005

Highland High athletic trainer Brent Faure is getting the word out about how illnesses spread among athletes.

Faure, who has been the athletic trainer at Highland since 1981, is among the certified athletic trainers at this week's tournament.

Faure has spoken with Idaho High School Activities Director Bill Young about his concerns because his wrestling team had four staph infections and eight cases of impetigo.

"At Highland this is the worst outbreak we have ever had. Very seldom do we have staph. We've had other stuff, but nothing this significant," Faure said.

Faure is not exactly sure how the athletes contracted the illnesses, but they did not wrestle until they were treated and cleared to compete.

Wrestlers may more easily contract an illness from each other because of their close contact, Faure said.

Centennial certified athletic trainer Eric Taylor said this year has been "pretty normal" when it comes to infections and illnesses among Treasure Valley wrestlers.

"The big thing is, coaches are doing a really good job at practices of watching their kids," Taylor said. "The earlier the detection — and they have to see a doctor right away — the quicker we can get rid of it. ... The biggest thing about wrestling is that coaches and wrestlers have to be aware and watch out for one and another."

District Three wrestling official Toby Cummings said referees do try to spot skin ailments, but coaches actually have the best chance of identifying a problem because they know the wrestlers and see them daily during the season.

Skyview coach Todd Cady said his staff has been especially diligent about cleaning their wrestling mats this year.

"Talking to other coaches, it sounds like a lot more programs are spending a lot more money on disinfectants, and anti-bacterial soap," Cady said.

Several things are being done at the Idaho Center to help prevent illnesses from spreading.

• Mats are being washed with a disinfecting solution.

• Referees and trainers are looking for uncovered sores or skin ailments, and if detected, asking for a doctor's note for proof that the condition is not contagious. Wrestlers with communicable skin diseases are not eligible to participate.

• Depending on the time of day, about 25 student trainers and 15 athletic trainers are at the Idaho Center assisting wrestlers.

• Cuts and scrapes are being properly covered.

• Athletic trainers are trying to educate coaches and athletes about ways illnesses spread.

Faure and Taylor have a few suggestions how parents can help prevent illnesses from spreading.

• Wash the athletes' workout clothes, or have the athlete wash his or her practice clothes after one use. Avoid wearing workout clothes twice.

• Use towels once and wash them. Never share towels or water bottles.

• Athletes should immediately shower after practice or a workout.

• Athletes and parents should immediately report any injury, illness, or skin ailments to the school's athletic trainer — even if it seems minor.

• Care for minor cuts and scrapes properly. Also check with the school's athletic trainer, even a small scratch may need to be checked and properly covered before the athlete is allowed to compete.

Champs already?

The wrestling state tournament has not reached its final day, but Borah already won a state title.

The Lions won the 5A academic state championship. The Borah team has a team combined grade-point average of 3.285. Madison of Rigby is the 4A state champion with a 3.517 GPA. Shelley (3.417 GPA) won 3A honors and Firth (3.285) was the 2A/1A winner.

Fast pins

There were several fast pins in the opening round of 5A wrestling Thursday.

Eagle's Dan Erekson, a No. 1 seed at 215 pounds, pinned Coeur d' Alene freshman Grant Turner in 10 seconds. It wasn't a state record, but it was close. The 5A state record of 8 seconds was set in 1989 by heavyweight Chuck Taylor of Lewiston.

Here's some of the fast pins from the 5A first round: Jason Ellefloot, Coeur d'Alene, 125 pounds, 16 seconds; Josh Manes, Coeur d'Alene, 135 pounds, 36 seconds; Sam Reading, Centennial, 145 pounds, 38 seconds. Dallon Higgs, Skyline, 145 pounds, 24 seconds.