John Schmit Spotlight

Feature Taping up for success

Zoe Macknicki

Copy Editor

At Arcata High School, we are lucky enough to have an athletic trainer, John Schmidt, who is a licensed physical therapist.

Schmidt has been dedicated to Arcata High School for nine years, helping any athlete that comes through his door to get them back on their feet and ready for the next game, meet, or tournament.

Schmidt is one of the only physical therapists that works as a trainer with local high school students.

On an average day, he says he sees between five and fifteen patients with a variety of injuries.

One of the best parts of his job is “feeling like I’m giving back to the community,” he explains.

This motivates him to provide the best possible care for his patients.

For people who are looking to go into physical therapy, Schmidt offers the opportunity for students to intern with him to learn more about physical therapy. “He provides a free service for student athletes that’s amazing,” one of his interns, senior Meadow Jennings, explains.

“I think it is a very valuable thing especially because many athletes don’t learn proper self care,” Jennings adds.

Pushing through pain is what athletes are taught to do so having the option to see Schmidt is a great opportunity for them to learn ways to treat their bodies.

He not only helps them recover from injuries, but teaches them how to prevent injuries in the future.

“John’s amazing. I think he is a great teacher and physical therapist, I’m glad he is a part of our school,” Jennings continues.

Schmidt provides student athletes with well drawn out and detailed instructions on how to help them heal.

The free physical therapy he provides as well as the valuable lessons he teaches the students who intern with him is what helps Arcata High School athletes perform at such a high level.