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Senior Project Helps E&H Athlete Compete Again

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Shanna Tolbert

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A senior athletic training major has used the skills and knowledge acquired in several of her courses at Emory & Henry College to help get an athlete back on the field after an injury nearly ended his college football career.

Claudville, Va. resident Shanna Tolbert’s senior project included E&H football player Evin O'Sullivan of Fredericksburg, Va., who suffered an ankle dislocation and fibular break during the 2008 football season. During a presentation at E&H’s Sciencefest symposium in April, she explained the successes and failures of the protocol in comparison to other rehabilitation practices and illustrated data supporting her findings.

Success was found during the first day of spring 2009 football practice when the O'Sullivan was able to participate in every activity and drill with the team. “I feel great and I am glad to be back on the field and competing at the level I know I can play at,” O'Sullivan said.

Tolbert’s protocol focused on sport-specific drills and various other exercises to help the ankle gain both strength and flexibility. Exercises included stretching, jumping in various directions and speed, interval running, change of direction drills and Tolbert’s favorite, rock climbing.

“It’s great to see that the subject can perform at his original level of competition” Tolbert said.

O'Sullivan has made a full recovery and was cleared for activity by his doctor and the E&H Athletic Training Department. He expressed his gratitude to the department and Tolbert. “They did an excellent job after surgery. I didn’t know if I would ever play again.

Story provided by Evin O'Sullivan.

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