Cathedral Catholic High School student athletes are stopping by the weight lifting gym, seeking the trainers’ help and advice regarding their recoveries from the common anterior cruciate ligament injury, or ACL injury.

Many students have been affected by this injury, which can happen when a sudden force hits a person’s foot either when it is bent or straight. The injury is affecting many student athletes at CCHS and has prevented some students from participating in sports.

ACL injuries are so common that 1/1000 people are or have been affected by an ACL injury. According to University of California San Francisco Sports Medicine Department, 70 percent of ACL injuries are “non-contact,” meaning they are the combined result of erroneous mechanics and footwork.

Senior Cole Stafford, a Varsity soccer player, tore his ACL and has been unable to play soccer for six months.

“It’s really disappointing for me because I was hoping to play college soccer, and this [injury] has really set me back,” Stafford said. “I remember before I tore my ACL, my knee felt loose at practice. I sort of knew it was coming.”

Stafford receives therapy both in school and outside of school. All students are welcome to go into the trainers’ office and get professional help for faster recovery.

“The trainers are really helpful and friendly,” senior Chris Caulk, an injured football player, said. “I didn’t really know if I tore my ACL because the pain wasn’t significant. I know that if I take my therapy seriously, I will heal quickly. I’m just hoping that I can go back to sports soon.”

Since tearing an ACL is a common injury at high schools, Coach Mr. Jeremy Petitte stresses the importance of stretching before any athletic activity. His students always take around fifteen minutes to stretch and warm up.

“The problem is that kids don’t know how to move properly,” Mr. Petitte said. “They have to be taught how to move properly, run properly, and have good posture. All athletes must be taught to squat, lunge, jump, and land without knee and ankle collapse.”

Athletes in recovery should be sure to maintain a well-balanced, nutritional diet, and a sleep schedule that allows plenty of rest.

The trainers in the CCHS gym are ready to help students with any injuries. Students should go to the trainers with their questions, or contact Mr. Petitte at [email protected].