A handful of Plains track and field athletes gathered on Monday to give their thanks to physical therapist Emily Hernden, who offers the athletes free services to help mend and rehabilitate any injuries they may receive while training and competing during the various sports seasons.

A handful of Plains track and field athletes gathered on Monday to give their thanks to physical therapist Emily Hernden, who offers the athletes free services to help mend and rehabilitate any injuries they may receive while training and competing during the various sports seasons.

Throughout the 2010 track season, Hernden made time in her schedule in order to help four of the athletes work through their injuries without charging them for her services, since Plains schools do not have it in their budget to hire their own physical therapist. The athletes presented Hernden with a plaque as a sign of their appreciation for her help throughout the season.

Plains track and field coach Don Stamm said throughout the season she helped some of the long and triple jumpers work through their back pain, as jumpers are more prone to back injuries with the strain put on those muscles during landing. Plains tack and field athlete Kelsey Beagley was one of the five students to present Hernden the plaque and also set up an appointment to work through hip pain she has recently felt during practices.

"She's been so gracious in helping the students and I think the community should know of what service she has done in volunteering her time for all the sports," said Stamm. "She has been really helpful to us and the athletic program in Plains."

Stamm said although the plaque was only a small token of their gratitude for all of Hernden's help they wanted to let her know she is not taken for granted and a huge asset during the sporting seasons.