Community Rallies to Keep Longtime Athletic Trainer on the Lewis Cass Sidelines

After more than three decades at Lewis Cass, Athletic Trainer Sally Young wasn't ready to leave the sidelines—and her community wasn't ready to see her go.

When Young's future at the Indiana school became uncertain, a Change.org petition supporting her collected 505 verified signatures. Ultimately, an agreement between Lewis Cass and Parkview Logansport Hospital secured Young's position for another three years.

"This is where I want to be and this is where I've been forever," Young said. "This is my happy spot to be out here helping the kids and all the sports."

Young began at Lewis Cass in 1993 and is now entering her 34th year. She's been there long enough that many of today's parents were once athletes under her care.

"It's very nice to know that I'm appreciated," she said. "I'm on second generation, so a lot of the parents I had as athletes."

For Young, that community support also showed an appreciation for what Athletic Trainers contribute beyond the moments people see on the field.

"I don't just sit here and sit on a golf cart and get water, that I'm here to help if anything happens," she said.

Young pointed to heat safety as one example, explaining that she works with coaches to monitor conditions and determine necessary practice modifications. She also expressed concern about schools that don't have access to an Athletic Trainer.

"It's kind of a scary situation," Young said. "I know not everybody can afford it, but it's essential for healthcare. And these kids deserve to have somebody here that's championing for them."

Lewis Cass football coach Clay Mannering called Young's return "good for our kids, good for our school, and good for our community."

After 33 years, the community clearly agrees.