Southern Gap High School student-athletes now have access to a certified athletic trainer, a team physician and nearby orthopedic services through an expanded effort to provide comprehensive sports medicine care.
Buchanan County Career, Technology and Higher Learning Center principal Tim Bane outlined the services during the Buchanan County School Board’s Sept. 15 meeting at the School Board offices in the Buchanan County Government Building. The board also approved a memorandum of understanding allowing Bane to provide athletic training services under the supervision of Dr. Dylan Campbell.
Bane has worked as an athletic trainer for more than 40 years. He is nationally certified and licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine to practice athletic training in the state.
Under Virginia law, Bane must work under the supervision of a physician. Campbell agreed to serve as Southern Gap’s team physician and signed the memorandum of understanding allowing Bane to practice under his supervision.
Bane said Campbell has attended the Eagles’ home games and worked alongside him on the sidelines.
“It’s a big relief on me,” Bane said. “It’s a great service for our athletes.”
Bane said he previously provided care when needed by coming out of the stands during athletic contests. With Southern Gap opening this year, however, he decided it was time to take a more active role.
“I felt like, with opening up a new school, it was time for me to come down out of the stands, so to speak, and try to provide the best medical care for athletes possible,” Bane said. “That’s what we’ve attempted to do.”
Southern Gap’s athletic training facility contains more than $70,000 worth of equipment, Bane said.
“We have a facility that is equipped — it’s probably second to none in Southwest Virginia,” he said. “It’s beautiful, it’s well-equipped, it’s fully functional now, and I’m very proud of it. The athletes are very proud of it.”
Bane said Southern Gap is among only a small number of school systems in Southwest Virginia with a certified athletic trainer available at the school.
Student-athletes have already made extensive use of the facility. More than 100 treatments had been provided by the time of the meeting.
Bane emphasized that the services are available to athletes in every sport, not just football. Students participating in volleyball, cheerleading, cross-country, wrestling and basketball have already received treatment or assistance.
The athletic training staff has handled several significant injuries and medical conditions since the beginning of the school year, including two leg fractures, a dislocated elbow, two concussions and two torn anterior cruciate ligaments, commonly known as ACLs. Bane and Campbell have also helped a student receive care for a serious medical condition.
Southern Gap has also partnered with an orthopedic clinic associated with Pikeville Medical Center. The relationship allows Bane to contact the clinic directly and help injured students receive appointments closer to home.
The clinic offers weekday walk-in services and access to specialists who treat injuries involving the knees, shoulders, hands and other areas. Buchanan County athletes who previously traveled to the Bristol area for orthopedic care may now have a closer option.
“Basically, we have a certified athletic trainer, we have a team physician, and we have orthopedic services for our athletes,” Bane said. “That’s kind of unheard of in Southwest Virginia.”
After football season, Bane plans to maintain afternoon office hours and attend home athletic contests when possible. He told the board he is donating his time and is not seeking compensation from the school division.
The School Board unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding governing the athletic training arrangement.
