Houston Methodist St. John Hospital and Friendswood High officials celebrate the continuation of their partnership and the hospital’s commitment to Friendswood High School Athletics and student athletes. They are, from left, Mark Griffon, Friendswood High principal; Jonathan Utsey, athletic trainer; David Montz, school board member; Dr. Daniel O’Neill, orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist and team doctor; Trish Hanks, Friendswood ISD superintendent; Cathy Supak, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine athletic trainer; Jason Tindall, physician liaison; and Thad Roher, Friendswood ISD deputy superintendent.
Houston Methodist St. John Hospital and Friendswood High School Athletics have extended their successful partnership to 2022.
As the Official Health Care Provider for Friendswood High School Athletics, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital provides a wide range of sports medicine services, including a licensed athletic trainer and support staff for all high school athletes and physician sideline coverage for varsity football games.
“We are thrilled to continue this very successful program that enables us to provide top-quality sports medicine care to Mustang athletes,” says Daniel O’Neill, M.D., the board-certified orthopedist and sports medicine specialist who serves as Friendswood High School’s team physician. “Working to keep these young athletes healthy and at their best is an important component of high school sports, and we are proud of our long relationship with Friendswood ISD.”
The competitive nature of high school athletics means that young players sometimes suffer aches, pains and even serious injuries. When that happens, the hospital’s sports medicine professionals are on hand to help.
“We are the first line of support for athletes who are injured, whether it’s in practice or at a game,” says Megan Duncan, head athletic trainer for Friendswood ISD. “Being able to see an experienced sports medicine trainer quickly can make a big difference in terms of identifying the seriousness of an injury and determining the best course of action. I love working with Mustang athletes and I’m excited that our partnership is continuing.”
The agreement between the hospital and Friendswood High School Athletics also helps keep the cost of quality medical care low for both the district and parents.
“Houston Methodist St. John Hospital provides a wide range of services for Mustang athletes,” says Friendswood ISD athletic director Robert Koopman. “In addition to on-site coverage and preventive taping, they also educate our athletes about proper training techniques, how to avoid injury and how to recover more quickly if they do get hurt. Being embedded with the Mustang sports teams provides a clear advantage to Friendswood athletes.” To find a Houston Methodist St. John Hospital physician, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.333.8899.
