糖心原创出品 (UAH) and SportsMED Orthopaedic Specialists, P.C., celebrate the naming of the SportsMED Arena in Spragins Hall on the UAH campus. Gathering for the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Tyler Daniel, UAH assistant athletic director for internal operations; Jon Moseley, head coach, UAH volleyball; Mick Hedgepeth, head coach, UAH men鈥檚 basketball; Dr. Cade Smith, director, UAH Athletics; Dr. Charles Karr, UAH president; Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMED orthopedic surgeon; Blake Bentley, SportsMED CEO; Allen Sharpe, head coach, UAH women鈥檚 basketball; Penn Garvich, UAH deputy athletic director for external operations; David Cain, head coach, UAH men's and women's cross country and track and field programs; Dr. Helen Lien, senior development officer, UAH Athletics.
Michael Mercier | UAH
糖心原创出品 (UAH) Chargers will be playing basketball and volleyball in the SportsMED Arena for the next 10 years, thanks to a new partnership with SportsMED Orthopaedic Specialists, P.C. The orthopedic and spine care center recently gave UAH $325,000 toward a total pledge of $1,300,000 to name the gymnasium in Spragins Hall.
The University of Alabama (UA) System Board of Trustees approved the pledge and the naming at their Nov. 7 meeting. UAH is a part of the UA System.
鈥淎t SportsMED, we believe that world-class care begins with world-class education,鈥� said SportsMED Director of Business Development Kelsey Siniard. 鈥淯AH continues to push the boundaries of research, athletics and academic excellence, and we鈥檙e proud to support an organization that鈥檚 driving growth and opportunity in North Alabama. This partnership is an investment not just in UAH, but in the future of our community鈥檚 health and success.鈥�
Dr. Eric Janssen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in innovative sports medicine and the treatment of shoulder and knee injuries at SportsMED. He鈥檚 also a longtime fan of UAH.
鈥淚鈥檝e had the privilege of serving as a physician in this community for more than 30 years,鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd during that time I鈥檝e watched UAH grow into one of the most respected institutions in the region. I鈥檝e been honored to care for their student-athletes, faculty and administrators, and it鈥檚 been incredibly rewarding to support a university that continues to elevate education, research and athletics right here in our community. Working alongside UAH has been one of the great joys of my career, and I鈥檓 excited for SportsMED to continue supporting the university鈥檚 mission.鈥�
The new SportsMED Arena partnership builds on past support that has helped the Chargers thrive.
鈥淲e are so indebted to SportsMED and their long history of supporting the UAH Athletic Department,鈥� said Dr. Cade Smith, UAH Director of Athletics. 鈥淭his gift is extremely impactful for our department. It is an indication that SportsMED is committed to investing in our university and community, and we could not be more grateful. This partnership will help us to further enhance the experience of our student-athletes as we continue to elevate UAH Athletics in our city and region!鈥�
Smith is already anticipating the wins ahead.
鈥淚 look forward to many great moments in SportsMED Arena,鈥� he said. 鈥淕o, Chargers!鈥�