Students have an innovative program to look forward to with the recent addition of a sports medicine class.

The sports medicine class teaches students to not only apply a knowledge of science to sports-related injuries, but also gives them an opportunity to experience a course that puts great emphasis upon overall learning.

“I help them (students) understand that there is another side to education,” said sports medicine teacher Achilles Walker. “I’m always pushing education.”

Walker began his career in education working at Sinagua High School in Arizona then later became the head trainer at Los Medanos College. Walker also works at John Muir Hospital in the physical therapy department. Once a position opened up at CV to teach sports medicine, Achilles decided to leave LMC.

“I’ve always liked working with high schools kids,” said Walker.

Walker intended on pursuing a medical career but instead decided to teach sports medicine because of the wonderful advantages. “It still uses medicine and chemistry while working directly with people,” said Walker.

Walker hopes to encourage students to understand “one of those hard lessons which we have to teach the young” about the likelihood of students playing professionally within the sports field. Walker intends on convincing students to see that there are other fields that allow them to become involved within sports.

“The class helps students understand optimum body performance, anatomy, injury classification, and the healing process,” said Walker. “Hopefully they get to build on this education...I want kids to understand that they have other options.”

Students also get a chance to develop greater people skills through an interactive-based type of education. Without these skills, students are like “fish out of water.”

“I would recommend the course for anyone wanting to get involved within the sports or medical field,” said senior Nick Tong.

The class also has several student trainers who work at the athletic games in order to tend to injuries. It gives students a chance to address the issues being taught throughout the sports medicine course.

“It has influenced me in a very positive way,” said student trainer Marissa Lopez.