Haldane hires former track and field star as first full-time trainer
By Leigh Alan Klein
The Haldane school district in November hired its first full-time athletic trainer, Meghan Crowe, a native of Wilmington, New York, who attended SUNY Albany and Dominican College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. Crowe was a track and field star at Ausable Valley Central High School, where she also played soccer. At SUNY Albany, she competed in the heptathlon, javelin, high jump and 400-meter hurdles, among other events.
Crowe attends every Haldane practice and game and also tends to athletes from opposing teams who are injured during competition. Her responses have been edited for space.
What are the majority of injuries you encounter with Haldane athletes?
With basketball players and members of the indoor track team, who have been practicing outside all year, it has been lateral ankle sprains and lower extremity injuries. Overuse injuries are always an issue, especially with baseball season coming, but with strong preseason prep, better weight-room technique and proper stretching, we can prevent a lot of those.
What drew you to the field?
I have always been an athlete and I was lucky to have awesome trainers in college. I enjoy the interaction a trainer has with athletes from start to finish. That connection is so valuable, and it influences the athletes’ response to and recovery from injuries.
How did you end up at Haldane?
After working at a cross-country meet at Bowdoin Park in Poughkeepsie last fall, the coordinator sent an email to most of the athletic directors in Section 1 [which covers the Hudson Valley] recommending me. A few days later, Haldane Athletic Director Chris Salumn asked me to come in for an interview.
What’s the experience been like as Haldane’s first full-time trainer?
Everything is new for everyone. Once the athletes and coaches got to know me, it became easier.
You are on the front lines with students, coaches and parents. Is that challenging?
In a good way. I enjoy being in the action and educating athletes, coaches and parents about anything they’d like to know. Education and prevention of injuries is a big part of my job. The healthier the athletes are, the happier I am.
Does everyone think they know your job or what needs to be done?
For the most part, no. Sports medicine is a growing field and treatment is always subjective. There are so many ways to approach injuries and I’m always looking for new ideas.
Are you nervous while watching games that someone is going to get hurt?
I’m not sure if nervous is the word, but at times, yes. I have confidence in their skills and preparation, but accidents happen. It’s my job to keep cool.
Is it tough to tell a coach an athlete can’t play?
So far, the coaches have been so great. They have been supportive of my decisions. We have been working together to improve preseason workouts and warm-up and stretching routines.
How about parents?
The parents and community have been so thankful and helpful. Whether it’s getting in those torturous ice baths over the weekend or keeping up with rehab, the parents are always looking to do the best thing for their athlete.
What do you enjoy most about the job so far?
I enjoy being part of the Haldane family. I’m excited to come to work and I miss everyone on long weekends. I love when an athlete works hard on his or her rehab and, when cleared to play, gains that confidence. The look on their faces when they are pain-free and strong is amazing.
What do you enjoy least about it?
Smelly feet! [laughs] Seriously, I wish I could speed up the injury recovery process. Contrary to popular belief, I do not like keeping athletes off the court or field.
How much will this cost the taxpayers every year? Why can’t the coaches tape up ankles?