The University of Tennessee Volunteers men's track and field team entered the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon May 30-June 2, and ranked fourth. The team returned home to Knoxville ranked first, winning the team competition on the strength of its sprinters, especially freshman Justin Gatlin's brilliant victories in the 100 and 200-meter events.
Chiropractors from across the U.S. were on hand at Hayward Field under gray skies to assist the athletes. Michael Petty,DC, who practices in Farragut, Tennessee, was there in the capacity of team chiropractor for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Richard Gorman,DC, of Eugene, Oregon, was also on hand, organizing a group of doctors that included Ted Forcum (Beverton, OR); James Kurtz (Tacoma, WA); Justin Whittaker (Seneca Falls, NY); Michael Budincich (Pasadena, CA); and Dean Clark (Portland, OR).
Dr. Petty began traveling with the track and field team two years ago. He has worked with the Tennessee football program since 1996, and began traveling with them in 1997. He has two SEC rings (1997, 1998) to show for it, and one national title (1998). Dr. Petty acknowledged that he has worked very hard to develop a good relationship with the university.
"It hasn't always been easy," he admitted, citing the "tremendous medical bias that exists in training rooms. I have kept my ego out of it, and let my hands do the talking through the athletes," he explained.
