Coaches Team Up for Hands-On Learning at SIH Coaches Clinic

About 40 coaches from junior high, high school and college programs across Southern Illinois gathered March 28 at Legends at Walker’s Bluff for the 8th Annual SIH Coaches Clinic—a dynamic day packed with practical tips, expert insight and real-world solutions to help keep student-athletes healthy and game-ready.

The free, full-day event offered attendees four Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs), complimentary breakfast and breakout sessions designed to enhance coaching practices and improve athlete safety. Coaches participated in sessions led by professionals from SIH and Southern Illinois University Carbondale in athletic training, sports medicine and strength and conditioning.

“This clinic is all about supporting our local coaches and providing them with the knowledge they need to foster safer, stronger sports environments for student-athletes,” said Sarai Yates, certified athletic trainer and SIH sports medicine coordinator. “We’re proud to see this event continue to grow every year.”

SIH’s Brad Brush, a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist with more than three decades of experience, led a practical breakout session focused on sideline first aid—demonstrating simple yet crucial techniques such as wound care, icing and wrapping injuries.

“Something as simple as putting on an ice bag or treating a blister can make a difference in recovery,” said Brush. “This clinic allows us to step away from the intensity of game days and really connect with coaches in a more relaxed, meaningful way.”

Goreville Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Todd Tripp, a longtime attendee, praised the clinic for its relevance and real-world value. “I look forward to this every year. It’s a great chance to ask questions, learn new things and pick up little tips that really help our athletes,” he said. “Even something like learning how to properly use heat or ice, or how a simple dollar store salve can help it’s those practical takeaways that make this so worthwhile.”

For SIH athletic trainer Nikolai Laitamaki, who covers Goreville and Anna-Jonesboro schools, the clinic also serves as a unique opportunity for collaboration. “It’s a great chance to connect with other coaches and trainers and learn from each other,” he said. “Even after 26 years in the field, I still walk away learning something new.”

With another successful year in the books, the SIH Coaches Clinic continues to strengthen the bond between healthcare professionals and local coaches—working together to support the safety, performance and overall well-being of student-athletes across the region.