Physicals begin LSUE’s athletic year

In the annual preseason ritual to kick the Bengals’ athletic year, the LSU Eunice athletes rejoined teammates to get cleared for competition.
A group of medical professionals screened the athletes Wednesday night at Rehab Xcel.
Doctors helping included Dr. Brian Heinen, Dr. Jade Heinen, Dr. Jevin Bordelon, Dr. Ed Graul, Dr. Rhonda Fink Pucheu, Jeslyn Hoychick Orgain, APRN, FPNC and nurse practitioner Jennifer Creswell.
Physical therapists Michael Driggs and Lee Miller also helped with the physicals along other Rehab Xcel staff and several LSUE nursing students.
“This is an introduction of some of the medical community to the Bengal athletes,” Driggs said.
“This helps them know they can get assistance while they are at LSUE.”
Driggs said the process is required by the NJCAA.
“An overview of their medical history is discussed,” he said. “The doctors look for any issues medically while the physical therapists look for muscular-skeleton problems as well as any heart or lung issues.
“It is important to discuss their past history to see if they are actively undergoing treatment back in their hometown,” Driggs said. “We don’t want any interuption of care.”
LSU Eunice athletic director Jeff Willis was quick to praise the efforts on display during the physicals.
“I want to thank all of the people who helped pull this off tonight,” Wilkuis said.
“Without the generous help of this awesome community we would not be able to do what we do.
“Our athletes and coaching staff thank everyone who was involved from the bottom of our hearts.”
Driggs said 105 Bengal athletes went through Wednesday’s process.