This summer student-athletes across Oklahoma are getting their bodies ready for the fall sports season, one important requirement stands between them and the playing field: a sports physical. While sometimes viewed as a simple box to check, these pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs) are a critical step in protecting the health and safety of young athletes.
“Annual sports physicals aren’t just a requirement — they’re a crucial tool in helping us catch pre-existing conditions or injuries that might have happened in the off season,” said Aaron Harmon, head athletic trainer for Stillwater Public Schools. “We want to make sure every kid is cleared and safe before they compete.”
Harmon has served Stillwater High School for more than two decades and is contracted through OrthoOklahoma, working alongside assistant athletic trainer Bri Belcher. Their team has been recognized as a First Team Safe Sports School by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association — an award that highlights excellence in athletic healthcare at the secondary school level.
According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, PPEs are essential in identifying medical conditions that could pose a serious risk during physical exertion. These include cardiac issues, asthma, and even previous concussions. A student may appear healthy in daily life, but these exams often uncover hidden issues that only emerge under athletic stress.
Harmon sees this firsthand. He says, “We’ve had great partnerships with Stillwater Medical to offer physicals,” he explained. “They help us rule out anything that could put a student at risk. That’s been a game-changer.”
Sports physicals are just one part of a broader approach to student-athlete safety. Schools like Stillwater are implementing best practices recommended by the Safe Sports School Award — including emergency action planning, defibrillator and CPR training for staff, and concussion baseline testing.
“Having a second athletic trainer has been a huge help,” said Harmon. “The more people we have, the more athletes and events we can cover. It’s an unwritten rule that you take care of your home field, but we also travel for playoff games and major events.”
For Harmon, it’s about more than injury prevention — it’s about connection. “One of the most satisfying parts of my job is seeing a kid come back from injury. Watching them work through adversity and step back on the field — there’s nothing like it,” he said.
Parents also play a vital role by providing accurate medical histories and staying engaged with their child’s care. Harmon and Belcher make a point to connect with families at parent meetings, helping them navigate appointments and resources through their relationship with Stillwater Medical Center.
“Our number one objective is the health and safety of their kid,” Harmon said. “When we collaborate with parents, coaches and physicians, we can streamline care and give these athletes the support they need to thrive.”
As fall approaches, sports physicals remain a key player in ensuring student-athletes not only participate — but do so safely, confidently and with the support of an entire team behind them. Stillwater Medical encourages families not to wait until the last minute to schedule a physical. Reach out to your primary care physician and take the steps necessary to ensure your athlete is cleared to play.
