History
In 1997, Mount Vernon High School became the only school in the Skagit Valley to offer a Sports Medicine Class under the instruction of a Licensed/Certified Athletic Trainer.
Originally known as the Athletic Training Class and later renamed Sports Medicine, the first class consisted of 12 students who spent one hour of class time and one hour of afternoon practical time. The following year the number rose to 18 students and in 1999 the program became a full-time position with an enrollment of 50 students. Today the average student enrollment in Sports Medicine courses, along with the Medical Terminology course is about 135 students annually. The Sports Medicine Program records an annual average of 1500-2000 treatments per year on Mount Vernon High School Athletes.
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Under the supervision of Licensed/Certified Athletic Trainer John Banaszak, students are introduced to many aspects that surround Sports Medicine. Mr. Banaszak uses his knowledge and experience acquired from high school training rooms, collegiate training rooms, and clinical settings to provide not only academic information but also practical and real-life situations. Guest speakers from various health professions are brought in to provide extended information and skills.