By Meghan Byrnes and Morgan Brang
Features Editor and Entertainment Editor
Photo by Erika Seigel
Staff Photographer
Who’s that lady wrapping ankles and packing ice? It’s Jamesville-DeWitt’s new athletic trainer Amy Chaffee, who came all the way from Arizona. “Everyone is very easy to get along with at J-D and the athletes are a lot of fun to work with!” said Mrs. Chaffee. Mrs. Chaffee received her bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College and her Master of Science degree in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ.
Some of Mrs. Chaffee’s first jobs were working with Ithaca College’s Women’s Basketball and Cornell University Softball teams. While still going to grad school, Mrs. Chaffee worked at a small private high school in Tempe, AZ for two years. Mrs.Chaffee then moved on to Phoenix, AZ where she was the head Athletic Trainer at Desert Vista for another two years. “I had an assistant athletic trainer in Phoenix,” said Mrs. Chaffee. “Now I am adjusting to working alone and managing all of the day-to-day responsibilities,” added Chaffee. When the contract expired with previous athletic trainer Dave Schultz, Athletic Director John Goodson looked for someone with at least four years of experience and a bachelor’s degree when hiring a new trainer for this year. “She met all the requirements and is a good addition to this year’s staff,” said Mr.Goodson.
Mrs.Chaffee has helped many athletes this fall season on their way to recovery. Junior Maki Mandelis was was her first patient at J-DHS. “I broke my wrist [playing football] and she helped me a ton, so now I will always go to her in the future,” said Mandelis.“The trainer is the only reason I’m still in football this season,” said sophomore Joe Morgan who has healed from a hurt ankle. Freshmen Charlie Digristina and Jack Brotzki agree, saying that the trainer was very helpful and a huge part of recovery from their injuries. “The new trainer is really nice and helpful and she’s always available when I need help,” added junior Adam Doss.
Some of the coaches have also had experience with Mrs. Chaffee. “The soccer team has been pretty healthy this year but she seems to be a good addition to our staff,” said Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Hayley Nies. Varsity Girls Tennis Coach Eugene Sul agreed; “I have had very little experience with her since tennis is a non-contact sport, but she routinely stops by our matches.” Assistant Varsity Football Coach Andrew Cottet agreed saying “My experience has been extremely positive. She is a real asset to the JD athletic program and she is always available to players and does a great job keeping coaches up to date on student athletes progress and when they will be able to return to the playing field.”
“She has been exceptional, professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with,” said Varsity Football Coach Eric Ormond.