SLU Alum and Community at Althoff Catholic Create a Great Learning Experience for AT Student

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Althoff Catholic High School

By: Andrew Gomez (MAT Class of 2016)

Just 15 miles southeast into Illinois sits my home for this fall semester. Althoff Catholic High school in Belleville, Illinois is home to the Fighting Crusaders. This private catholic school is home to around 600 students, but what makes this high school special is that it’s made up of people from surrounding areas. Some students make commutes up to 45 minutes just to attend this school. One thing that I really value from being here is the tightness of this community. From the students to coaches to faculty, there is such a great family bond. I have grown to like this setting because they have taken me in as one of them, especially the students.

This semester we have had men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, cross country, and football. It has been an interesting year so far trying to cover as many games/matches since it’s just my preceptor and I. There are some days where we won’t be able to make it to a practice or game just because it can get very hectic at times helping the athletes get ready for their games and practices. I am enjoying this site with the hands on experience and being able to learn and grow daily, although it has been a very interesting year with some very interesting and puzzling injuries. My skills develop daily from taping to doing special tests and even working on evaluations on the athletes. 

Andrew Gomez and Meghan Gehrs ATC

My preceptor is Meghan Gehrs MAT, ATC, a graduate from the SLU MAT class of 2011, and also a graduate from Althoff Catholic High School. I have learned so much from her this far, from how to run the AT room to individual care of an athlete. She shows dedication and care for the students by coming in early, staying late, keeping up with them and showing individual attention to each one while maintaining professionalism. I am very lucky to have been placed at ACHS with Meghan. I have learned so much thus far, and look forward to the rest of the semester.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.