Rams and Cedars Sinai team up
Dr. Clarence L. Shields and his wife are co- Founders of Team HEAL (Helping Enrich Athletes Lives) a non-profit funded by Cedars-Sinai. “Were teaching team medicine,” said Shields who grew-up in Los Angeles as a RAM fan and used to sell programs at the Coliseum. He later became the team doctor.
Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer
The Los Angeles Rams and their official health partner Cedars Sinai l hosted the 2nd annual High School All-Star Showcase in partnership with NIKE at SoFi Stadium.
The event highlighted more than 100 young athletes from Southern California’s top-ranked high school football players. The 7-on-7 flag football tournament gave top athletes a Pro Bowl experience at the high school level.
“Its good to be here around so many great players,” said Karson Cox (Oak Hills High). “You get better when you play against the best.”
Dr. Clarence L. Shields and his wife are co- Founders of Team HEAL (Helping Enrich Athletes Lives) a non-profit funded by Cedars-Sinai. “Were teaching team medicine,” said Shields who grew-up in Los Angeles as a RAM fan and used to sell programs at the Coliseum. He later became the team doctor.
When the RAMS left town that’s when he formed HEAL. His goal now is to give back and promote health awareness and create a safety zone around young athletes and give them the same care as professional .
“Were trying to get LAUSD to have a certified athletic trainer in every school that has athletics. An athletic trainer is the first line of defense for an injured athlete. If there no a health care professions. -Right now the coach has to make all the health care decisions and they shouldn’t have to. This is an exciting event because there’s been a big push to take away regular football at an early age.”
The tournament featured eight teams, with athletes representing schools from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
“It feels really good being out here,” said young Jay Stokes of St Pius X. You have a chance to stand out.” The sophomore had the catch of the day, running full-speed he stopped on a dime, reached up over his head with one arm while the defender held his other and he came down with the one handed snag. The applause came from all over SoFi Stadium. He is being looked at by USC, LSU and Michigan. This spring he plans to run track.
The tournament concluded with a championship game won by TEAM Rams Inland Empire. They were led by Warren High School quarterback Madden Iamaleava who was named Offensive MVP. He has a strong arm and can put the ball anywhere.
Oak Hills High strong safety Dajhon Hall was named Defensive MVP during the trophy ceremony. In addition, the Rams and Cerdas-Sinai in partnership with Nike presented Bonita High School linebacker Noah Mikhail with a Nike Next Ones invitation.
“You can really get noticed out here, you’ve got to bring you’re a game ,” said Jacob Whitehead DB of Inglewood. He’s being looked at by Oregon, Georgia and U of Arizona.
