Friday nights in the fall mean more than football. They’re about community, school pride, and making sure student athletes are safe while they compete.
For more than 20 years, Proliance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine physicians have been part of that tradition, volunteering their time and expertise on the sidelines of local high school games. From Bellevue to Sammamish, they work with athletic trainers and school staff to provide care when it’s needed most through the Friday Night Lights program.
Supporting Athletes Where They Play
When injuries happen, immediate evaluation can make all the difference. With a physician on the sideline, athletes are assessed quickly and guided toward the right care, giving families confidence that their child is in good hands. That presence also strengthens the connection with coaches and trainers, keeping everyone focused on what matters most: helping athletes stay safe and able to play the game they love.
“I want them to understand that every practice, every game is an opportunity to grow. These experiences taught me resilience, teamwork, and the value of hard work.”
– Greg Herd, Head Football Coach, Mount Si High School
Coach Herd’s perspective is reflected on the sidelines, where physicians help keep athletes healthy so they can continue to grow through every practice and game. For some physicians, supporting athletes doesn’t stop at the clinic. Dr. Gregory Komenda, who works with Eastlake and Eastside Catholic, also coaches lacrosse. That role reinforces his commitment to helping young athletes stay safe, build confidence, and develop skills that last far beyond the season.
Safeguarding Every Play
Sideline coverage ensures that safety protocols are followed and that athletes receive timely care. Physicians help schools comply with state regulations like the Leystedt Law, which requires any player suspected of having a head injury to be removed from play and evaluated by a medical professional before returning. They also watch closely for issues such as concussions, heat-related illness, and joint or muscle injuries that demand immediate attention.
Beyond game-day response, physicians collaborate with coaches and athletic trainers on education and prevention. They monitor athletes with prior injuries, recommend pre-season conditioning when appropriate, and encourage players to work with trainers on strength and flexibility programs designed to reduce risks. These steps help keep teams healthy throughout the season.
When injuries need more than sideline care, families can turn to Orthopedic Urgent Care for same-day emergency orthopaedic treatment, helping athletes move from the field toward recovery without long waits or unnecessary ER visits.
A Tradition of Community Care
Proliance’s involvement in high school football is part of a larger commitment to the communities they serve. These games are about more than competition; they bring together students, families, and fans. Being there to support athlete safety is one way physicians give back to the schools and neighborhoods they call home.
Over the years, Proliance doctors have supported schools across the Eastside and beyond, building relationships that last long after the season ends. Many of the young athletes they meet on the sidelines later become patients in the clinic, where care continues, and recovery takes shape. Whether it is evaluating an injury during a game or guiding a player through rehab, the goal is the same: helping students stay active and healthy.
This season, we’re proud to support Sammamish High School, Redmond High School, Bellevue High School, Mount Si High School, Eastlake High School, Eastside Catholic High School, Newport High School, Interlake High School, Skyline High School, and Issaquah High School.