Physicals begin LSU Eunice athletic year

By: Tom Dodge

The clinic was filled with an enthusiastic group of LSU Eunice athletes busy chatting about their upcoming school year.

But there was also a group of medical professionals busy doing more serious work of screening the athletes Wednesday night at Rehab Xcel.

“We are looking for any cardiac abnormalities or any other abnormalites that we can pick up that may cause problems down the line,” Dr Phillip Bacilla of the Opelousas Orthopedic Clinic said.

“Anybody who has suffered an injury in the past, we really want to make sure they are over these injuries; that they are ready to play and they can’t do any further harm to themselves.”

Bacilla said the athletes undergo a basic screening including exams from doctors and therapists.

Besides Bacilla, other doctors involved included Dr. Jay Miller and Dr. Ryan Cazares, Dr. Sarah Fruge, Dr. Craig Matherne, Dr. Reginald Segar, Dr. Brian Heinen, Dr. Jade Heinen, Dr. David Ware and Therapists involved were Dr. Michael Driggs PT, Dr. Lee Miller PT, Dr. Maggie Gaspard PT, Emily Brown OT, and Angelle Driggs OT.

“The physicals provided by the local physicians and Rehab Xcel are a great service by our community,” LSUE athletic director Jeff Willis said. “To have everyone donate their time and services really means a lot to our programs.

“Our kids get to see the support they have from this community and have always been impressed by it,” Willis said. “I can not say how thankful I am for all those who are involved in pulling this off.”