Andrews Institute provides free physical exams to GBHS athletes
JOE CULPEPPER Gulf Breeze News Joe@gulfbreezenews.com

Photos by Joe Culpepper Gulf Breeze freshman cheerleader Emalee Hudson (left) has her knee examined by trainer Stasia Burroughs during Saturday's free physicals at the Andrews Institute. Nearby, eighthgrader Ryan Wann (right), who will run track for the Dolphins this fall, demonstrates his flexibility and strength for physical therapist Stephen LaPlante.

Alex Lincoln was widely known for his aggressive, hardnosed style of play during a standout football career at Auburn University.

A seventh-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2001 NFLDraft, Lincoln had his pro career cut painfully short by injuries. But that didn't diminish the Mobile native's love for football and athletes in general.

Saturday, Lincoln was one of more than 100 volunteers who helped conduct free physical exams for athletes from Gulf Breeze High School and several other surrounding schools.

"Most athletes do not have the access to care that our athletes in this community do," said Lincoln, the Director of Athletic Performance at Andrews Institute, one of three Baptist Health Care sites conducting free physical exams.

"It's exciting to see these young kids getting a chance to see the opportunities the pro athletes get. When I was their age, we had to get our own physical, and many times we didn't know what we were looking for. We went to a basic general practitioner, and we had to pay for it.

"This community outreach is something that we care about a lot. The benefit really is to the athletes at our local high schools."

Approximately 150 Gulf Breeze athletes were examined early Saturday morning. Andrews celebrated its first anniversary in Gulf Breeze by opening its facility to the Dolphins and athletes from Aletheia Christian, Catholic, East Hill Christian, Pensacola, Washington and West Florida high schools.

Participants were measured and weighed, given an eye exam, tested for flexibility and mobility, screened for high blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Working in assembly line fashion, the Gulf Breeze contingent was served by trainers and doctors in about 90 minutes.

Fifteen local doctors unselfishly donated their services to the cause.

"This is important to us," Gulf Breeze Assistant Principal Danny Brothers said as he kept things orderly and moving Saturday morning.

"We were able to coordinate it where all of our athletes, regardless of their gender or sport, could come at one time and be examined. The one-time aspect is invaluable to us, and we get a high percentage of turnout.

"These doctors, nurses and other health-care technicians and the Andrews staff give up their time to do this for free. It's all free, and it's a great thing for the community."

Jeremy Lowery is the Director of Sports Medicine at Andrews. He was responsible for organizing this year's program, which is in its 11th year.

"This will result in between 800 and 1,000 kids being seen by health professionals," Lowery said. "Some clinics might provide this service for $40 or $50, and it could cost families up to $100 depending on their insurance coverage. So it's a big savings for most people."

The exams are good for one year. The first beneficiary of the program will be the Gulf Breeze football team, which starts spring practice today.

It's a group that could produce the next Alex Lincoln.

"My personal injuries fuel my passion for working here," Lincoln said. "Helping athletes reach their potential is what it's all about."