After a long day at school, hundreds of South students flock to the field house. Many athletes go directly to the trainer’s room as they prepare for after school practices and games. Dozens of kids fill the room waiting to be taped, evaluated, or rehabilitated.
Newton South’s Athletic Trainer, PJ Quern, never seems to be fazed. He continues to transition from helping one athlete to the next.
“I like to see the [athlete’s] progressions all the way through, rather than the early stage rehab that you see in a PT clinic,” Quern said. “I also enjoy working with the younger athletic population.”
Quern grew up in Newton, but went to Newton North High School, where he graduated in 2006. In May 2010, he graduated from Lasell College. The year after his graduation, he was hired as both an assistant athletic trainer at Lasell College and at CVS.
That summer, Quern ran into the Newton South basketball coach, Joe Killilea. They discussed potential opportunities in the training program at Newton South. He started his new position on Sept. 1, 2011.
Quern debated whether to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer, ultimately deciding to become a trainer.
“Ending up with PJ was fantastic!” said Scott Perrin, Newton South’s athletic director. “He fits perfectly into Newton South. He is a huge asset to our athletic department. He brings passion and professionalism.”
Quern is not only a well-educated trainer, but also someone the students say they feel they can connect with and trust.
“PJ is the best!” said senior athlete Karina Alfisher. “On one hand, he’s extremely professional and takes his job seriously, and on the other hand, he’s a friendly young guy that I know a lot of students go to talk to, or hang out with in his infamous trainer’s room.”
“PJ has personally been like a brother to me,” junior Ethan Meyer said. “We actually hang out a lot because I’m always hurt.”
Being a trainer at a high school is a demanding profession. When an athlete gets injured, it can be a very traumatic experience, and Quern said he almost has to work as a therapist to explain each student’s situation in a calm, rational manner.
“PJ holds Newton South Athletics together,” sophomore Ben Weingart said. “There are only a few types of people that can handle the type of stress PJ deals with.”
Although some days can be hectic, Quern consistently has a smile on his face. His relaxed personality causes his entire room to give off a positive energy. Because of this, many students spend time in his room just to talk to him.
He said he deals with stress the same way most Newton South students do. After a long day, Quern said he enjoys going home and relaxing.
“When I get home I like to cook something quick and watch some TV shows, movies, or play video games to unwind,” he said.
Committed is another word that students say describes Quern. He spends additional time at South to clean up, do paperwork, or help out an injured player that was unable to see him during his normal working hours.
Tamar Bulka, a sophomore soccer player, injured her back during this fall season. She needed to be evaluated before playing in an important game. It was impossible for her to meet with Quern during his work hours, for the soccer team was being dismissed early from school for the game. The trainer offered to come in much earlier than he was expected to so he could evaluate Bulka.
“Quern is so willing to go out of his way to help athletes,” Bulka said. “He understands the pressure put on them and does everything in his power to diminish some of that stress by being there for them.”
Although Quern has only been working at Newton South for little over a year, students say he already plays a huge role at the school.
“As far as school goes,” Meyer said, “athletics wouldn’t run smoothly without him.”
Quern’s shift from College to High school athletics materialized effortlessly.
“I was surprised how easy of a transition from college to high school level athletics was. This is not typical,” Quern said. “I think the atmosphere here is great between the entire athletic department, which made my transition easier.
“I love working at South,” Quern said. “It is a nice atmosphere and I am surrounded by great co-workers and student athletes.”
Great story!!!