UM Health-West named sports medicine provider for Calvin University Athletics
(From left to right): Miriam Sikora, Brock Bevil, Ashley Garrett, Joe Dykstra, Ryan Sheeran, Kennedie Baareman
As Calvin University student athletes return to campus for a new academic year, they have a new team supporting them. University of Michigan Health-West is now the sports medicine provider for Calvin Athletics.
The partnership brings UM Health-West sports medicine physicians and its comprehensive network of care to Calvin student athletes competing in NCAA and ACHA intercollegiate athletics. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) will serve as UM Health-West’s orthopaedic partner, providing orthopaedic care, rehabilitation and physical therapy services. UM Health-West and OAM sports medicine experts will also provide medical coverage on the sidelines at Calvin men’s football games.
A homecoming
For Edwin Kornoelje, D.O., medical director of sports medicine at UM Health-West, the partnership is also a homecoming. Kornoelje earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science from what was then Calvin College before beginning his career in medicine.
“Calvin is where my journey in sports medicine really began, so it’s special to come back in this role and help care for today’s student athletes,” Kornoelje said. “Our goal is to keep athletes healthy, help them perform at their best and make sure they have access to the right care when an injury happens. Calvin has always placed an emphasis on caring for the whole person, and that fits very well with how we practice sports medicine at UM Health-West.”
A team approach
That team approach extends to OAM, giving Calvin athletes access to orthopaedic expertise, physical therapy and rehabilitation when an injury requires additional care.
“When an athlete is injured, timely care and a strong rehabilitation plan can make all the difference,” said Peter Theut, M.D., physician president of OAM and member of the OAM sports medicine team. “We’re looking forward to working alongside UM Health-West to help Calvin athletes recover and safely get back to competition.”
UM Health-West sports medicine has provided care to West Michigan athletes for 30 years. Its team includes physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers who work together on injury prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.
A proven track record
The partnership builds on UM Health-West’s extensive presence in West Michigan athletics. Its sports medicine team provides medical services for professional, collegiate, and high school programs across the region, including the Grand Rapids Griffins and Grand Rapids Rise, as well as numerous community races and athletic events.
“We want every Knight to know they have a strong team behind them, whether they’re competing, training, or recovering from an injury,” said Dr. James Timmer, director of athletics at Calvin University. “UM Health-West shares our commitment to caring for the whole student-athlete. Their sports medicine expertise and broader network of care will be a tremendous resource for our athletes and coaches.”
Calvin Athletics sponsors 23 men’s and women’s varsity sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, cross country, golf, tennis and lacrosse. Calvin also fields two ACHA men’s hockey teams.
UM Health-West sports medicine provides care for athletes of all ages and skill levels, from collegiate and professional athletes to high school competitors and weekend warriors. Sports medicine care is available at seven UM Health-West neighborhood offices across the region.