Being an athletic trainer is more than just helping athletes with injuries, taping, or physical rehabilitation. It’s connecting with athletes, finding effective ways to help them, and being a support system for all athletes. Here at Wilsonville High School, Jorge Chaires is that person.
He didn’t always know being an athletic trainer was the path he wanted to take. “After many years of still figuring it out, I liked the idea of the medical field, and I liked sports- so I decided to mash the two together.” Says Chaires.
Jorge was a busy kid. Growing up in Hood River, he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and soccer. Athletics was ingrained in him even from a young age, so this career path was a natural fit for him.
Chaires started his career at George Fox University, a school in Newberg, Oregon. It took him 4 years to get his degree, while then working at Aloha High School for clinical hours. After that, he decided to come to Wilsonville and entered his third year being the athletic trainer for Wilsonville High School.
With all the physicality and strain put into all types of sports offered at Wilsonville, it’s crucial that athletes are properly trained and maintained. The National Institute of Health reports that 90% of high school athletes sustain an injury within their seasons.
Being an athletic trainer comes with knowledge, support, and understanding of athletes. Chaires has a way of making athletes feel welcome, comfortable, and optimistic despite the challenges they may face.
Chaires mentions that he loves helping athletes “feel better and go back to their original performance,” while also adding that “the kids” are his favorite part of being here at Wilsonville High School. Many athletes have gained trust with Chaires knowing that he will help them get back to the level they aspire to play at.
Chaires is ready for everyone; springing to help, with hours that can last until 11:00 at night as he follows the Wilsonville teams to distant away games. Even there is no rest at the school, as athletes fill their rooms, waiting for services of all kinds.
Constant bustle surrounds him, two people squeeze onto a bench, and he has others balancing and stretching- tuning their aching muscles as they do these small exercises. Even the floor is littered with students- some not even there to wait for assistance- simply enjoying the safe atmosphere within the room.
“I don’t even get taped. All my friends go to see Jorge so naturally I go with them. It’s comfortable in his room.” Says Shea Moomaw, a junior girls soccer player.
Athletic Director, Josh Davis, was the person who hired Chaires a few years back. Davis had heard great things about Chaires, as Davis says, “He came highly recommended.”
Davis mentions, “He really cares about our student-athletes as he is building relationships every day, and he’s here for the right reason.” Chaires has a way of helping athletes, while also creating steady relationships with all athletes. Davis adds to this saying, “His heart is in the right place.”
With countless hours of support, encouragement, and helping athletes’ recovery, Chaires continues to impact Wilsonville High School positively. With his help, our athletes are in the best of care to make sure they are safe while playing the sport they love. He has made our school better and continues to support our athletes.