The Student Athlete Perseverance Award (SAPA) was developed in 2017 as a way to highlight student athletes at high schools with UPMC Susquehanna athletic training staffs. These student athletes have displayed exemplary dedication, tenacity, and persevered while battling through an injury. 

They prove why it is important for sports medicine and athletic training services to be integrated within each school district. Having a dedicated athletic trainer in the district provides these student athletes the appropriate resources to properly rehab from a variety of sports related injuries to help get them back in the game.

SAPA Spotlight

Battling back from a torn ACL for Muncy’s Alexis Baranoski wasn’t easy and the road to recovery wasn’t without bad days, solemn rehab sessions, or tears. Lexi was focused and let her perseverance and commitment to her teammates lead to a different outcome. With her charisma, she pushed through the challenging 12-month-long rehab journey, as she was determined not to let her team or herself down.

Halfway through his freshman season as a running back and linebacker at Bucktail Area High School, Gage Sutliff suffered a hip injury. After seeing Edward Gusick, DO, Gage was told he had an avulsion fracture his quadriceps muscle at his hip. With his season virtually over, Gage continued to attend practices and spent time in the weight room to maintain his upper body strength. His commitment to his rehab plan led him to make it back onto the field for some of the final snaps of the Bucks playoff run.

UPMC Susquehanna celebrates these persevering athletes at an end of year banquet, where their stories are shared and their achievements are highlighted.

View information about the the high school and collegiate athletics programs that we support.