JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – She’s there practice in and practice out.  Game in and game out.  And yes, she’s also there at doctor visits and even at hospital procedures.  She is Karen Morton, Campbell County High’s Athletic Trainer. “She cares deeply about each of these kids.  It’s an honor to have her working for La Follette Medical Center,” said Mark Cain, CEO of La Follette Medical Center.

TOP PHOTO:  Karen Morton (left) visits with sophomore Corbett Callahan asking him about his ACL brace.

A prime example of Morton’s dedication to CCHS athletes is how she guides them through injury recovery and injury prevention.  Cain adds, “Her knowledge and expertise helps prevent injuries as well as treat them after they’ve occurred. Karen also attends many physician appointments with Campbell County athletes and parents to make sure that she is fully prepared to participate in treatment and rehabilitation.”

CCHS track and field standout Zoie Mefford suffered a season ending knee injury during her high school days a few years ago. Mefford’s mother, Carrie, said, “She has a caring heart and love for the athletes and their well-being.  In my experience with her, two years ago when Zoie tore her ACL Karen not only setup the initial appointment with the doctor but she followed her throughout her surgery, therapy and complete recovery and still to this day she is asking how Zoie is doing.”

With the start of the new athletic season this summer, Morton (left) starts her fifth season at CCHS.

No matter the sport, Morton tends to all sports student athletes.  Though she has high visibility at football and basketball games and practices, she makes the rounds on campus and when the Cougars and Lady Cougars play away from campus in other sports.  “Karen has great passion for her job and the student-athletes of Campbell County. She gives our program her best every day. She plays an invaluable role for our school,” said Cougar Head Football Coach Justin Price.

“Karen is a thorough professional. She’s also the most caring and compassionate certified athletic trainer I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” Cain said.  Mefford sums up Morton in a nutshell, “She truly cares for the athletes.  Karen is one of the best additions to CCHS sports.”  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/25/2019-6AM)