Local doctors giving back and helping injured players

Posted: Aug 30, 2010 5:06 PM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Aug 30, 2010 5:12 PM

It's almost here. High school football season kicks off on Friday. We're highlighting some key players in Santa Maria and we're not talking about the football players.

Athletes at Pioneer Valley High School have an advantage and that advantage is four sports medicine specialists. Dr. Paul Castello, Central Coast Orthopedics, said, "Our wives don't like it by the end of the season, but we enjoy it and we have a lot of fun."

Dr. Castello, Dr. Dennis Blackburn, Dr. Jeff Spoo and Dr. James Kasper are all highly trained surgeons. They have years of experience in the field of Orthopedic Medicine. Still, they volunteer their time. One of them is on the sidelines at all home football games for four Santa Maria high schools, ready to help injured players. "I think it provides some satisfaction in some things you can't put a price," said Dr. Castello.

Greg Dickinson , Pioneer Valley High School Assistant Athletic Director, said, "Having a medical professional on the sideline to answer any questions or concerns we may have about an injury of a player, allows us a great peace of mind." Dr. Castello said, "Being right on the scene, you can make an immediate assessment and actually hopefully prevent somebody from getting seriously hurt."

All agree, it's a team effort to keep these young athletes safe. Dr. Castello said, "Everybody is dedicated to that, they want to make sure that people don't get hurt." But if they do get hurt, players have world class care and it's care that extends beyond game time. The doctors work with the athletes throughout the year. They follow up with those injured players.

If you're wondering how long they've been doing this, Dr. Castello has been volunteering his time going on 13 years. Along with providing on-the-field-coverage for Pioneer Valley High School, the doctors are also at games for Righetti High School, Santa Maria High School and Saint Joseph's High School.