Main Story: Redwood athletic trainer Alex Ramos prepares for Cowhide by keeping players’ rehab and recovery on track, coordinating with coaches on who can safely play, and watching for injuries during games. He emphasizes hydration late in the season, when cooler weather can make athletes less likely to drink enough. For Cowhide, trainers from both Redwood and Mount Whitney cover every game, including freshman games.

Yes, But

Cowhide’s importance can distract athletes, and injured players may feel pressure to return for the rivalry game. Ramos and the coaches must weigh that excitement against whether a player is ready and safe to play.

State of Play
  • Ramos checks on players after hard hits and watches for signs such as slow movement, balance problems or unusual walking.
  • Redwood’s sports medicine students help flag incidents Ramos may not have seen.
  • Communication among trainers, coaches and players helps guide game-day decisions.
Bottom Line

Ramos’s Cowhide preparation is about more than treating injuries: it’s a coordinated effort to help athletes compete without putting their health at risk.