Rams Join with Washington University Orthopedics to Present HSPD Program in East St. Louis Rams 

By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

Young kids weren’t the only beneficiaries of the Rams’ work in East St. Louis last week after the playground build. The Rams and Washington University sports medicine specialists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital partnered to present the High School Player Development (HSPD) program.

On the same day the entire Rams organization teamed up to rebuild Lincoln Park in East St. Louis, members of the organization went to kick off the HSPD program and introduce it to the players assembled.

Rookie tackle Jason Smith went to East St. Louis Senior High School to speak to the players on Wednesday evening about the importance of character development and making the right choices.

The first day of the five-day program is devoted solely to character development and organization. After Smith spoke Wednesday, the players broke into small groups and were given a planner with information on how to keep organized and set goals. At the conclusion of this year's camp, twelve athletes will be selected to represent the St. Louis Rams in a national HSPD 7 on 7 tournament to be held at the Minnesota Vikings training facility July 9 - 11.

On Thursday evening, Dr. Matt Matava, the Rams’ team doctor arrived and spoke to the players about taking care of their bodies mentally and physically. He emphasized the importance of staying hydrated to avoid the serious problems, including hindrance to performance, associated with dehydration. He also discussed the prevention and treatment of common football injuries and answered questions from the participants and coaches.

The National Football League provides the entire curriculum for the five-day camp and also includes plenty of opportunities to the players to develop their football skills with the chance to work on one offensive and one defensive position throughout the course of the camp. Players entering their sophomore through senior years of high school are eligible to participate.

The NFL joined the National Guard in forming the program with the idea to give kids the tools necessary to become successful college athletes. Programs are set up in NFL cities all over the country.