The Fade of Summer = The Start of Fall Sports

So, if you are in the same mindset as me, you are slowly realizing that the summer is drawing to a close, especially if you are a high school or college athlete. Practices are about to kick off full-steam ahead, and there is no stopping it. Hopefully, if you are one of these athletes, you have been taking some steps this summer to prepare. Gone are the days of using football two-a-days to get IN shape: you better show up ALREADY in shape. If you don't, someone might just take your spot because the coaches will clearly see which athlete took the time to prepare and which athlete just took it for granted.

Here at Arkansas Sports Performance Center, we have had a great summer with an outstanding group of dedicated athletes who really worked hard this summer. We had a few teams & school groups training together, as well as several new & returning individual athletes. It was so fun to see the competition between current teammates & future opponents in here, all working toward the same goal: to be better than when they first walked in the door. I also enjoyed seeing different ages all getting individual attention....it was not uncommon to see a 10 year old football player next to a college basketball player in here, each getting the work that they require at their level, but then to see that older athlete build into & encourage the younger athlete. We are not just training for physical performance in here---we build confidence!

It was also exciting to see some returning athletes---namely NFL players Tank Daniels of the Philadelphia Eagles & Darren McFadden of the Oakland Raiders. Both returned to ASPC to build on what they had done with us before but also to get the extra steps needed to prepare for training camp. They always took the time to talk to the other athletes in here & sign autographs. Two great guys....

Allow me to put on my sports medicine/athletic trainer hat here for a second if you are an athlete about to start school. There are some things you need to be aware of.

1. HYDRATION: take the time to beat the heat! Drink extra water throughout the day, even when you are not practicing. Monitor your body weight to see if there is excessive weight loss after a hot & sweaty practice. Make sure your urine color is not too dark. Avoid or restrict your caffeine intake.

2. MRSA (staph infection): if you are going to be in & out of a locker room, weight room, or gym, take the time to wash your hands thoroughly. Don't share towels or wet clothing. ANY cut or wound--clean it & keep it covered. Use a cleaning agent like Hibiclens.

Seek out the advice of an athletic trainer or other healthcare professional for any issue. Don't let something minor turn into something major & derail your season. You have worked too hard this summer to let something preventable like MRSA or heat illness set you back.

FANTASY FOOTBALL & INJURIES

 

I have to admit: I enjoy fantasy sports, namely football & baseball. It is a great way to stay connected, both to the game, and frankly, it just gives me & my friends something to talk about. You know men….it's tough to just make small talk. But throw in a topic of where you might be drafting or which running back is out for 3 weeks because of a pinky toe injury, and we can talk for hours. Which brings me to the point of this blog……if you are into fantasy football, it is probably getting close to draft time. There are some high-profile players with injury concerns, and I want to take a moment & apply my area of vocational expertise to these injuries. Maybe these will help you…maybe not. Either way, let me state right now that I am not responsible for you using this info & your draft choice tanking!

Let me know if you have any specific questions about these or other players by commenting on the post!

 

NAME	POSITION	TEAM	INJURY	PROGNOSIS
Tom Brady	QB	New England	ACL/MCL	Despite post-surgical complications, Brady is having a terrific rehab. Reports coming out of camp is that is looking like the Brady of old, and until he demonstrates otherwise, you have no reason to pass on him if he is available. He still has a great team around him. It is his plant (left leg) but he should be fine.
Darren McFadden	RB	Oakland	Turf Toe	I think he has the worst of this behind him…he now sees what it takes to play at the NFL level, and has taken the steps needed to get his body ready. I see no reason to have any concerns about this injury for the 2009 season. I have more concerns about the Raiders as a team, but that's another story.
Felix Jones	RB	Dallas	Toe	Another ex-Hog with a toe injury…hmmmm. The difference here is that Felix actually had surgery on his toe. While he had some toe issues in college & played through them, this one gives me pause. I personally would wait & not draft him high…there's also the non-injury issue of splitting time with Barber.
Brian Westbrook	RB	Philadelphia	Ankle/Knee	Lots of factors going against him here: he is almost 30, creaky knee, now a creaky ankle. This one also gives me personal angst, as I have to decide if I want to protect him on my team. I think he will still be a serviceable #2 RB but don't expect typical Westbrook numbers this year.
Anquan Boldin	WR	Arizona	Jaw	Devastating hit last year…but I would not hesitate one bit this guy. Maybe not a team player but a hard-nosed competitor.
Carson Palmer	QB	Cincinnati	Elbow	This is the same-type injury that affects many pitchers, but Carson did not require surgery. He also did not get hurt throwing the ball, but it was a contact injury. I think he will not have any issues with throwing the ball this year. Now, to whom is another issue.
Antonio Gates	TE	San Diego	Ankle/Toe	This combination of injuries gives me pause. Due to where he is in his rehab schedule, I can't see him being the Antonio Gates of old for the first part of the season.