CD Rams Sports Medicine

Athletic Trainers: Penn State Health

Office Phone: 717-703-5360 ext. 72445

The CDHS Athletic Training Room is located inside the high school behind the main gymnasium. If entering the building from the outside, please use Door 24.

Matt Pyle, MAT, LAT, ATC, started at Central Dauphin in the Summer of 2023. He completed his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at Lock Haven University, and earned his Master of Arts in Athletic Training at East Stroudsburg University.

CONTACT:

Matthew Pyle
Athletic Trainer,
CD High School

Lisa Wawrzyniak , MAT, LAT, ATC, started at Central Dauphin as an Athletic Trainer in January 2024. She completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education and Master of Arts in Teaching in Health and Physical Education with specialization in Sports Medicine.

CONTACT:

Lisa Wawrzyniak
Athletic Trainer,
CD High School

Alex Kiviniemi, MAT, LAT, ATC, started at CDSD as an Athletic Trainer in the Spring of 2025. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at Lebanon Valley College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Arts in Athletic Training.

CONTACT:

Alex Kiviniemi
Athletic Trainer,
CD High School &
CD East High School

Penn State Health Team Physician

Dr. Michael Haines is a Penn State Health Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician. Central Dauphin Rams Athletic Trainers coordinate care of injured athletes with Dr. Haines.

CONTACT:

Michael Haines, MD
Team Physician, CD High School

Sports Medicine Information

Athletic Trainers

Athletic Trainers are available after school to provide:

Assessment and diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes as well as first aid, treatment and proper referrals when appropriate
Management of emergency situations which may arise during athletic practices and events
Therapeutic Intervention and rehabilitation of injuries
Injury and Illness prevention education
Coordination of care with Primary Care Physicians, Orthopedic Physicians and Physical Therapists

Athletic Trainers:

Are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals
Work under the supervision and in collaboration with a physician to optimize safe participation of athletes
Have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training
Must pass a national certification exam to earn the ATC credential
Must keep their skills current by participating in continuing education
Licensed under PA State Board of Medicine

Concussion Management

Student-athletes who have been diagnosed with a concussion will be monitored daily by the CD Athletic Trainers and evaluated by the CD Team Physician. They will complete a "Symptom Score" sheet that includes 22 different signs and symptoms often experienced with concussions. Headache, dizziness, disruption of sleep, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as difficulty concentrating in school are among the most commonly recorded symptoms. School Accommodations will be provided after evaluation by CD's Team Physician if necessary.

Although every concussion is unique and may heal differently, the typical return-to-sport time is about a week to 10 days from the time of injury. Our standard return to play protocol involves the following steps, each performed progressively with approximately 24 hours between each step. If any concussion-like symptoms occur during a phase, it is immediately stopped and the Athletic Trainer will wait an appropriate amount of time before attempting this phase again.

Phase 1: Exertion (cardiovascular activity, such as bike, treadmill elliptical, in controlled environment)
Phase 2: No contact, sports-specific activities
Phase 3: Light contact, sports-specific activities/light practice (no live scrimmage)
Phase 4: Full contact, full practice, including live scrimmage
Phase 5: Return to game

Injury Management

Key Injury Management Procedures (PIAA):

Immediate Evaluation: Athletic Trainers assess injuries on the field and provide initial first aid
Return to Play (RTP): A mandatory written note for any injury or illness seen by a doctor is required before the athlete can return
Concussion Protocol: Follows a 5-day, gradual return-to-play protocol supervised by ATs and Team Physician
Documentation: Athletic Trainers keep detailed records of injuries, follow-up care, and parental communication
Emergency Care: Athletic Trainers manage emergencies, contacting EMS when necessary

Responsibilities:

Athletes: Report injuries or illness to the Coach and/or AT immediately. Athletes will not be allowed to return to play without a doctor's clearance note if seen by a medical professional outside of Penn State Health.
Parents/Guardians: Notify Coach and Athletic Trainers if athlete is injured. Provide required doctor's note(s) to Athletic Trainers via Healthy Roster if athlete is seen by a healthcare provider for an injury or surgery.
Athletic Trainers: Will notify parents about athletes' injury via phone or email, offering home care instructions and coordination of follow-up care if needed. Will coordinate return to play with Team Physician, Parents and Coaches.
Coaches: Communicate with Athletic Trainers about known athlete injuries and illnesses for coordination of participation and safe return to play
CD Team Physician: Will have final determination for return to play of all CD Rams athletes. Is available for injury evaluation weekly at CDHS and in PennState Health office by appointment.

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Athletic Trainers: Penn State Health

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Penn State Health Team Physician

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Sports Medicine Information

Athletic Trainers

Concussion Management

Injury Management

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