Crawford County Hospital Partners With Schools to Support Athletes

Denison High School student athletes in Crawford County, Iowa, are receiving dedicated injury care and return-to-play support through a partnership with Crawford County Memorial Hospital’s rehabilitation services.

The collaboration pairs the 700-student school with the critical access hospital to place athletic training resources directly on campus. Physical therapist Kelly Wieman, who serves as the hospital’s director of rehabilitation services, had spent several years assisting unofficially from the sidelines at school events.

“At the first football game she attended, injuries included an ACL tear, a head injury and a shoulder dislocation,” noting that the immediate need for structured medical support sparked subsequent discussions between hospital leadership and the school district.

Supporting Student Athletes: CCMH & Denison High School Partnership — Crawford County Memorial Hospital

Those initial observations led to formal talks between hospital CEO Erin Muck and the county’s school superintendent. The resulting agreement splits operational responsibilities between the two institutions, with the hospital providing the athletic training coordinator while the school supplies the necessary equipment and physical space.

Sarah Ahrenholtz, a former Denison student and now an athletic trainer, was hired to manage day-to-day student needs. Her role encompasses evaluating minor sprains, guiding corrective exercises, answering questions about injury prevention, and providing a direct point of contact for students.

“The partnership makes it easier and less costly for students to get appropriate support as they work toward returning to play,” Wieman said.

Beyond direct physical rehabilitation, the program bridges the gap between home and clinical care for local families. The athletic trainer assists parents in determining when to seek formal provider care and helps them choose between hospital clinic and emergency department options.