Sports Psychology: Mental Preparation for Competition — Techniques for Improving Focus and Managing Performance Anxiety In the world of sports, physical preparation is only half the battle. Athletes who consistently perform at their best understand that mental preparation is just as crucial. In competitive environments, the ability to focus and manage performance anxiety can be […] The post Mental Preparation for Competition appeared first on The Center Foundation ..read more

The Psychological Effects of Concussions on Youth Athletes: What Parents and Coaches Need to Know Concussions are a significant concern in youth sports, especially as research uncovers the long-term consequences of head injuries. While much attention has been focused on the physical damage caused by concussions, their psychological effects are equally alarming, particularly in youth […] The post The Psychological Effects of Concussions on Youth Athletes appeared first on The Center Foundation ..read more

ACL Injury Prevention and Recovery If you haven’t personally sustained a knee injury in your life, then odds are you know someone who has. “The knee joint is the second most commonly injured body site and the leading cause of sport-related surgeries. Knee injuries, especially of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are among the most […] The post ACL Injury Prevention and Recovery appeared first on The Center Foundation ..read more

Meet the Team 2024-25 The 2024-25 school year is underway and fall sports are in full swing. We are excited to kick off a new year and continue to provide athletic trainers to local high schools to keep kids safe. Athletic trainers are an invaluable addition to all sports programs and a crucial aspect to […] The post Meet the Team 2024-25 appeared first on The Center Foundation ..read more

Back to School: Balancing Academics and Athletics As the back-to-school season approaches, student-athletes face the dual challenge of excelling in both academics and athletics. Juggling these responsibilities can be daunting, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to manage time effectively and avoid burnout. Here are some practical tips for student-athletes to balance their academic […] The post Back to School: Balancing Academics and Athletics appeared first on The Center Foundation ..read more

Safe Outdoor Exercise in Bad Weather Exercising outdoors can be a refreshing change from indoor workouts, offering fresh air, varied terrain, and the beauty of nature. However, the weather in late summer, especially in places like Central Oregon, can be unpredictable. One day might bring clear skies and sunshine, while the next could bring thunderstorms […] The post Safe Outdoor Exercise in Bad Weather appeared first on The Center Foundation ..read more

Proper Hydration Tips for Athletes During Summer and Hot Weather As athletes gear up for summer training and competitions, staying properly hydrated becomes paramount for maintaining peak performance and preventing heat-related illnesses. The combination of intense workouts and soaring temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration, impacting both physical and mental capabilities. In this article, we’ll […] The post Proper Hydration Tips for Athletes appeared first on The Center Foundation ..read more

Closer Look: Radio Interview with The Center Foundation Introduction This past fall, our very own Stuart Schmidt, Program Manager and Head Athletic Trainer for The Center Foundation was interviewed Jeanice Lee from K-LOVE and Air1 Radio for Closer Look. Closer Look is a weekly program that interviews local community groups making a difference in Central Oregon.  Please listen in to enjoy a captivating conversation about the history of The Center Foundation, our keystone programs including the flagship sports medicine outreach program which provide athletic trainers to eight local high s ..read more

Youth Injuries and Mental Health Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash Jon Skau, Crook County High School Athletic Trainer talks about his perspective for keeping mental health in mind while treating injuries and interacting with youth on a daily basis. In life there are a few things that absolutely nobody can avoid, like death and taxes. In the world of sports, its injuries. If you play any sport long enough an injury is likely to occur at some point along the way. If you are around competitive sports enough, you may notice that there seems to be  that one person who always seems to be&nb ..read more

What is an Ankle Sprain? What to Expect from your Athletic Trainer You’ve heard it before. “I rolled my ankle.” But what does that mean? A ‘rolled ankle’ otherwise known as an ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries experienced while playing sports. When your child’s school  ‘rolls’ or sprains their ankle, here is what to expect from the athletic trainer at your school taking care of your child’s injury. Anatomy of an Ankle Sprain The two most commonly injured ligaments injured in a lateral ankle sprain, the most common type of ankle injury, are the anterior talofibular (ATF) liga ..read more