Laker student athletes are able to continue practicing under the "Staying in Place" order, thanks to a volunteer corps of area physicians.
Keri Becker, director of athletics, said her own doctor and others are monitoring team practices to ensure COVID-19 guidelines are followed as directed by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.
The order was issued on September 16 and extends from Sept. 17-October 1; it calls for a licensed physician to monitor an entire practice and have authority to suspend practice if the risk mitigation activities are not being met.
Becker admitted she was surprised by that aspect of the order since these protocols were already established for team activities that began September 14. “I understand and respect their intent; however, we already have highly competent and dedicated medical professionals who are doing the same exact thing Ottawa County is now requiring a doctor to do,” she said.
The order became public right before Becker walked into her own doctor’s office last week. She shared the news with her breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Jayne Paulson, during a routine follow-up appointment.
"I told her the order added an extra layer on intercollegiate athletics to have a physician present," Becker said. "And Dr. Paulson said, 'Well, I'm off on Thursday and Friday and I can help.' She showed up the next day, allowing our teams to continue practicing.”
Laker head coaches and staff have recruited other physicians; baseball head coach Jamie Detillion asked his father-in-law, and said he jumped at the opportunity to help.
Becker called the response from doctors near and far amazing.
"Our student athletes desperately needed this to happen. I am deeply appreciative of how so many doctors have been kind and gracious with their time,” Becker said.
Any physician who would like to volunteer can contact Becker at [email protected].
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