News Photos by Jonny Zawacki Alpena High School Athletic Trainer Sarah Thomson tapes up Alpena offensive lineman George Pilarski (68) during a football game at Thirlby Field in Traverse City.

Sarah Thomson has always had a passion for sports and for helping others, especially other athletes.

Following her time as a Northern Michigan University student, Thomson worked in the Injury Evaluation and Care Clinic at NMU as well as working with its Division II football program.

Now she gets the chance to help athletes closer to home.

Thomson got that chance when Alpena High High’s athletic training position came open this summer. When the position was available, Thomson immediately applied for the position and was later hired.

“When the opportunity arose to work with Alpena High School and MidMichigan Health System, I could not have been more excited, as I spent a good portion of my high school career seeking care in the athletic training room. I pursued my degree in athletic training because my athletic trainer made a giant impact in my life as he took the time to learn about each athlete and to tailor care to what worked well for that specific individual,” Thomson said. “I found that treatment philosophy to be extremely impactful, as everyone experiences pain differently and each body heals differently. I hope to make as lasting of an impact on as many athletes as possible and I know these athletes are already making an impact on me as well.”

It has been a perfect fit for Thomson, a Lachine resident, who played multiple sports at Alpena High and graduated in 2010. She graduated from NMU in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in athletic training.

“I made the decision to move back home to be closer to family and enjoy the small town that I have always loved,” Thomson said. “Unfortunately, the athletic training position at the high school was already filled, but I was lucky enough to get a great position at Neil Seabase State Farm where I still got to help people, just in a different way.”

Thomson started as Alpena athletic trainer last month, but has already begun making an impact on athletes and the athletes have already began making an impact on her.

“I have already had a busy few weeks and I look forward to the rest of the year. I am realizing how quickly the impacts are occurring as I find myself already missing the parents, coaches and athletes I have worked with this far,” Thomson said. “Being an athletic trainer is a unique experience, which is exactly what makes me so passionate about it. I spend so much time with the athletes and I get to know them so well that they feel like family. I want to protect them , but as a former athlete, I know how badly they want to get back to competition. My goal is to work with both parents and athletes to keep the players in the game, but to protect their future and health.”

With a handful of trainers coming in and out of Alpena High over the past decade, Thomson feels fortunate to be back at her alma mater, in a town she’s familiar and comfortable with, doing something she loves.

“My hope is to create a culture of both injury prevention and injury management and I am excited to work with the incredible group of athletes, parents, coaches and medical professionals at MidMichigan Health System. As a realist, I know that I will not always know every answer, but I do know that I have an amazing team of physicians, specialists and physical therapists to help personalize care and lend their expertise to protect our students and return athletes to play,” Thomson said. “I also don’t feel like I can emphasize enough how amazing our community is. It is incredible to see all of the support of the fans and the donations of the time and products from business and volunteers. I could not be more proud to all Alpena home once again and I look forward to working with everyone in the area.”