There is nothing worse than telling an athlete that they can’t play because he or she is injured. Injuries can happen to anyone at anytime. There are certain injuries that can’t be avoided, they just happen in the moment. However there are ways to prevent most injuries.

Athletes can take certain precautions to make sure they come into their sport fully prepared. The athletes can be prepared by doing off season running, lifting and anything to keep them in shape for their sport. Athletes prepare differently for different sports, but preparing for any sport is essential.

“I believe that being physically prepared can help prevent injuries,” junior Ryan Glassman said. “Your body coming in will be trained to handle the stress that is put on the body.”

Also athletes need to be aware of what they are putting into their bodies. Diet is very important because what people put into their bodies can affect them. Athletes shouldn’t be dehydrated before their sport or eat greasy food because that will affect the athlete’s performance and could possibly lead to injury.

“With hydration, your body is made up with majority of water,” athletic trainer Bryn Nottoli said. “So by having or not having enough water in your body you can create other injuries within it. I’ve seen multiple times where a student comes in complaining of a head injury, and we find out a day or two later that everything was related to dehydration and not having enough fluids in their body.”

Athletes do risk getting injured in their sport whenever they participate in practices or games. Being hydrated, listening to the coach, and being prepared for the sport, an athlete can participate with a clear mind.