Two St. Joseph public high schools are being recognized for efforts to keep young athletes safe.

Benton and Lafayette High schools are both the recipients of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School award.

Mosaic Life Care said the award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for student athletes. The award reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention and treatment. The certified athletic trainer for Benton High School is Jenna Zettel and Lyle Christensen is the certified athletic trainer for Lafayette High School.

“As certified athletic trainers, our job is to keep our athletes safe and healthy as well as spectators at the event if the situation warrants. Our certified athletic trainers monitor physical education classes, team practices and games so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship and good health,” said Kate Esely, Lead Athletic Trainer for Mosaic Life Care.

“We remain committed to the health and welfare of young athletes in competitive sports,” says NATA President Scott Sailor, EdD, ATC. “This award recognizes the contributions and commitment of schools across the country that are implementing safe sports policies and best practices to ensure athletes can do what they love best and have the appropriate care in place to prevent, manage and treat injuries should they occur.

In addition to Lafayette High School and Benton High School in St. Joseph, other certified trainers to win the award include: Excelsior Springs High School (Brett Morton), Winnetonka High School (Amanda Guess) and Oak Park High School (Matt Skare).