In 1980, Dr. J Pat Evans and Don Andrews founded the Justin Sportsmedicine team and revolutionized medical care for rodeo athletes. They took the medical care to the arenas where cowboys and cowgirls competed and in doing so, they brought together medical professionals from across the country.
“J Pat and Don Andrews, the two guys who founded the Justin Sportsmedicine Team, really laid the foundation for everything we do. By the time I came along this program was already an intrical part of what goes on in professional rodeo as far as taking care of rodeo athletes,” said Dr. Tandy Freeman.
Today, the Justin Sportsmedicine Team is still growing and learning because one thing about rodeo athletes is that quitting is not an option.
“A lot of times we’re dealing with athletes that in other sports, they wouldn’t be competing. It’s a big challenge keeping folks out there, keeping them healthy enough to compete and then when they aren’t healthy enough being able to tie them down, so to speak, long enough to get well,” Dr. Freeman said.
With the growth of Justin Sportsmedicine itself came the growth of athletes understanding that this program is there for them, to keep them healthy and in the game.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the Justin Sportsmedicine Team. I speak for all the volunteer positions and trainers that work with this program that we’re happy to be able to be apart of this sport and the lifestyle that is supports,” Dr. Freeman said.
