A generation ago, April would mark the start of schools’ baseball and softball season – but for many young athletes today, the season lasts all year long as they compete for positions on their school teams, club teams, and shoot for the slim chance at a collegiate scholarship. Parents feel the strain, too: running kids to multiple games on the same weekend day, and feeling the pressure to keep kids in one sport all year round.
Middle school and high school athletes whose bones and muscles have not fully formed yet run the risk of doing serious damage to their bodies. Some are requiring surgery at a young age. So what should the limits be? Our guests:
- Dr. Michael Maloney, professor in the department of orthopedics, UR Medicine
- Dr. Katie Rizzone, assistant professor in the departments of orthopedics, and rehabilitation and pediatrics, UR Medicine
- Hayleigh Palotti, sophomore at Livonia High School and a cross country runner
- Charlie Siragusa, student at McQuaid Jesuit High School and a volleyball player
- Jessica Siragusa, sophomore at Mercy High School, and volleyball player and track athlete
- Lisa Siragusa, Charlie and Jessica's mom