St. Vincent Sports Concussion Alliance Recognizes Concussion Awareness Week

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The St. Vincent Sports Concussion Alliance will recognize Concussion Awareness Week (July 8 – 14, 2019) with events focused on keeping athletes safe from concussions and safely returning to sport after a concussion injury. Details on these events are below.

An Evening with Luke Zeller – Washington, Indiana Basketball Legend

  • Tuesday, July 9
  • Luke will be available for media interviews from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
  • Registration begins at 6:00 p.m.
  • Autographs 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • University of Evansville Ridgway University Center | Eykamp Hall
  • Register at https://goo.gl/forms/G2alNsLX5LorsDK93

Luke will speak about his basketball career and the importance of sports. Luke, the oldest of the three Zeller brothers, grew up in Washington, Indiana. At Washington High School, Luke graduated as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA, won the Indiana Mr. Basketball award, was named to the McDonald’s All-American Team, and was awarded the Trester Mental Attitude Award after hitting a half-court shot to lead the Hatchets to a state championship. Luke played college ball at the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. His five-year professional basketball career took him all around the world, including playing for the Phoenix Suns. He is also a certified Gallup Strengths Coach, instructor for the Sport Management program at Indiana University, and provides college commentary for Notre Dame basketball games.  

After Luke’s presentation, Dr. Thomas Weinzapfel, St. Vincent Pediatrician and Medical Director of
St. Vincent Sports Concussion Alliance, will speak to parents about how to keep athletes safe and what to expect should their athlete suffer a sports concussion. St. Vincent also plans to offer free baseline concussion testing. ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is a computer-based evaluation for sport concussions. It is recommended that baseline ImPACT testing begin at the age of 10. By receiving a pre-concussion test, a baseline cognitive function can be established. This baseline can be compared to a post-concussion test later if the athlete suffers a head injury. These scores can help determine when an athlete is ready to return to normal activities.

Registration is required, and additional information is listed below.

Free Baseline Concussion Testing

A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are a serious matter and can occur in any sport or recreational activity. Even a minor bump or blow to the head can be serious. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up immediately or may show up some time after the injury occurs.

St. Vincent Sports Concussion Alliance includes athletic trainers, orthpaedic surgeons, pediatricians and internal medicine specialists from St. Vincent Evansville, Tri-State Orthopaedic Surgeons and Pro Rehab, all with sport medicine backgrounds. The Alliance focuses on concussion safety in sports and safely returning athletes to play following a concussion injury. 

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