Beacon Ortho: Meet Two New Local High School Athletic Trainers

"These trainers are an extension of care from our offices straight to the fields and courts on which student athletes compete,” said Dr. Argo.

Dr. David Argo with patient. File photo.

Many schools in Southeastern Indiana and Southwestern Ohio partner with Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine to have thoroughly trained and certified athletic training staff onsite to serve their student athletes. “Certainly, it’s important to provide fast and accurate diagnosis if an injury occurs,” said Dr. David Argo, Beacon Orthopaedic surgeon. “However, beyond that onsite help with training, care and rehab, our team helps support student athletes’ overall health and performance each and every day.”  

And this school year, two local high schools have new certified athletic trainers serving their student athletes. 

Jake Steinmetz. Photo provided.

East Central High School 

Jake Steinmetz has joined Beacon teammate Sammy Hendricks, ATC, as a new trainer at East Central High School. Jake is former two-sport grad of ECHS and now returns to his alma mater to provide the bests care possible for other Trojans as they compete. 

Steinmetz earned a BS and MS in Athletic Training from Thomas More University. During his five years there, he played two varsity sports. He served clinical rotations at TMU, Simon Kenton High School and even one season with the Cincinnati Bengals. 

When asked why he chose this career, Steinmetz said “I think being an athletic trainer provides me a great way to gain valuable expertise helping student athletes recover from injury or better yet, to stay injury-free.” He knows this experience will help his professional future, as he hopes to become a physician assistant. 

When he is not hanging out with family and friends, he enjoys lifting weights and watching televised sports. He loved being a high school and college athlete and brings that joy to his work with students now.  “The best part of my job is providing a high level of care to keep these student athletes healthy and get them back in action after injuries,” he said. 

Lawrenceburg High School 

Amanda Merrill is the new head trainer at Lawrenceburg High School. Merrill earned a BS in Athletic Training from Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH and is currently working toward an online MS in exercise science with a concentration in fitness and performance from Liberty University.  

She feels affinity for all the sports she serves at LHS, but her favorite is soccer. As that is the one that (along with her four siblings) she played when she was a student athlete. 

She is thrilled to be part of the LHS sports community that fully values its athletic trainers as true medical professionals. That respect means a lot to her. In return, she is especially enthusiastic about working with the amazing athletes and staff that make up the school’s great athletic program. Their dedication and hard work are inspirational, and she feels that each and every day.

Beacon’s Dr. Argo says, “these trainers are an extension of care from our offices straight to the fields and courts on which student athletes compete.” He is proud of these professionals and feels strongly that these teammates serve “Eagle Country,” by providing the very best orthopaedic care to not only the student athletes, but to their families and the entire community, as well.  

In addition to high school athletes, Beacon Orthopaedics treats local patients of all ages for various injuries and ailments. You can always schedule a diagnostic appointment at any one of the area Beacon locations. If you get injured, you can readily go to one of their Saturday morning injury clinics or urgent care facilities throughout the area.  

Go to www.beaconortho.com or call 513-354-3700 to find a nearby Beacon location or to schedule an appointment.