On Their Game: Sandburg Student Trainers Part of Eagle Sports Family

If you're at a football game at home or on the road, it's not hard to notice the army of boys and girls moving around on the Sandburg sideline. 

The boys and girls are part of Sandburg's student athletic training program, and Rita Polson and Nicole Procaccio have been part of the program for four years. In fact, their work with the Eagles' players has inspired them to pursue careers in athletic training. 

"There are 38 people in the fall program and 55 overall," Sandburg head trainer Dave Kreis said. "We train football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, wrestling and gymnastics at all levels."

The trainers are traught in basic first aid, taping and quick injury recognition.

Sandburg student trainers always are backed up by a fully certified trainer. Kries, who is also a physical education teacher at Sandburg, has additional support from Dani Kasher and David Schuber, both from the .

When she's not taking care of the Eagle athletes, Polson is an athlete herself. She plays soccer with a club team in Crystal Lake.