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North East School District

Nurture Minds, Empower Futures

Athletics

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Athletics Department

Mr. Brian Dewey

NESD Athletic Director

bdewey@nesd1.org

(814)725-8671 x1500

 

 

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Mr. Erik Rizzo

Assistant Athletic Director

Mrs. Adrienne Hassenplug

Athletics Secretary

Anthony Fuhrman, MS, ATC, CSCS, serves as the athletic trainer for North East School District. He provides injury evaluation, immediate care, rehabilitation, emergency response, and return-to-play coordination for North East student-athletes.

Anthony earned his master’s degree in Athletic Training from Mercyhurst University and holds an additional master’s degree in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville. He is a certified athletic trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with extensive experience in sports medicine, strength training, and athlete development.

Before entering athletic training, Anthony served in the U.S. Army Infantry for 15 years and completed three combat deployments. He is also a two-time World’s Strongest Man under 105 kg champion and has coached athletes to national championships in multiple countries.

His approach combines clinical care with practical experience in competitive athletics. His goal is to help North East student-athletes stay healthy, recover properly, and return to competition prepared to perform.

Athletic Handbook

Updated Schedules

Tickets For All Post-Season Competitions Are Available By Presale ONLY!

  • You can download the Hometown Ticketing App on your phone or tablet.
  • You can also visit the website as playoff events are announced in order to purchase your tickets.

Buy Tickets Here!

Sports Boosters

ParentSquare Access Codes

Registration / Physical Packet

Athletics Leadership

Mr. Brian Dewey, Athletic Director

Mr. Erik Rizzo, Assistant Athletic Director

Mrs. Adrienne Hassenplug, Athletics Secretary

Mr. Anthony Fuhrman, Athletic Trainer

 

 

Important Documents

Athletic Handbook

Registration / Physical Packet

Re-Cert Form

Parent Informational Brochure

 

 

The North East School District athletics program offers numerous benefits to students, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the school community. Successful athletic programs enhance school spirit among students, staff, and the broader community, with sporting events promoting cohesion by bringing people together. Participants in school sports are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle into adulthood and develop a lifelong passion for physical activity.

 

 

Regular physical activity significantly enhances cognitive function, improving concentration, memory, and overall academic performance​. Sports also teach students essential time management skills as they balance academic responsibilities with athletic commitments​​. The discipline required for athletic participation translates into better study habits and academic performance​​.

 

 

Athletic programs support physical health by improving fitness, encouraging healthy habits, and developing motor skills. They also benefit mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, and fostering resilience. Social skills and teamwork are enhanced through collaboration, forming friendships, and practicing leadership. Additionally, sports instill a strong work ethic, fairness, respect for opponents, and perseverance. Integrating athletics into the school experience provides students with a well-rounded education that supports their physical, mental, social, and academic growth.

Physical Information

PIAA Physical & Registration Packet

 

SCHOOL PHYSICALS ARE NOT THE SAME AS SPORTS PHYSICALS - YOU MUST GET THE PIAA PACKET IN THE LINK ABOVE.

 

If you plan on playing a sport in 2026-27, and you were unable to participate in the free physicals, you will need to take the packet to your own doctor at your own convenience. Packets are available in the schools, or you can print your own above. Physicals must be dated after May 1st and are due two weeks prior to your child's first practice. It's strongly advised to get physicals done early and turned in at the athletic office to avoid any delays to your child's participation. You are strongly advised not to accept physical packets that the doctor's office will give you. They do not have the most up-to-date versions, and this often leads to having to do the paperwork over again for the parents. 

  • Anyone who wishes to participate in a school sport during the 2025-26 school year. The PIAA requires a new physical that is dated no earlier than May 1st, 2025. So any child who has had a physical recently will need a new one after May 1st.

  • Football, Cross Country, and Girls Basketball (Fall Sports), Wrestling and Boys' Basketball (Winter Sports). Volleyball, Track & Field, and Soccer (Spring Sports).

  • Football, Soccer, Golf, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Cheerleading. Basketball, Swimming & Diving, Cheerleading, Unified Bocce, and Wrestling (Winter Sports). Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball (Spring Sports).

Health & Safety Information

  • UPMC Hamot | Erie, PA

     

    UPMC Sports Medicine values our partnership with high school athletes and their families, providing more than 100 certified athletic trainers to schools in the region. Our athletic trainers are on the sidelines managing injuries and providing emergency care, as well as delivering therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation to help athletes safely return to their sports. Thank you for being a part of the UPMC Sports Medicine family. To learn more, visit UPMC Sports Medicine or call 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).

  • Sports Medicine Information for Athletes | UPMC Sports Medicine

  • UPMC Sports Medicine logo with purple text.

     

    UPMC Sports Medicine offers a complete range of services focusing on preventing and treating injury and illnesses, and helping athletics — young or old, professional or amateur — reach their peak performance.  These services include imaging, athletic training, sports performance, concussion services, ACL prevention programs, sports nutrition, mental training, sports massage, and cycling performance.  Below is contact information for these services.  For more information regarding UPMC sports medicine, please visit their website by clicking here. For more information on UPMC Sports Medicine, please read the linked documents: About UPMC Sports Medicine, What is AT

     

     

     

  • Sports-related Injuries & Conditions We Treated | UPMC

  • What is an Athletic Trainer?
    We provide the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions.

    Who are Athletic Trainers?
    Highly trained, multi-skilled healthcare professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training and the state’s statutes, rules and regulations.

    • Athletic trainers are sometimes confused with personal trainers. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skillset, job duties and patients of an athletic trainer and a personal trainer. The athletic training academic curriculum and clinical training follows the medical model. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s program.
    • All of this information, and more regarding Athletic Trainers can be found on the NATA website.

     

  • Engaging in outdoor athletics in high heat can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Here are some important tips to ensure safety:

    • Drink Water Regularly: Drink water before, during, and after physical activity. Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during exercise.
    • Electrolyte Balance: Consider sports drinks that contain electrolytes to replace sodium, potassium, and other minerals lost through sweat.
    • Light-Colored Clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing to reflect the sun’s rays.
    • Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Choose clothing made from moisture-wicking materials to help keep your body cool and dry.
    • Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or more frequently if sweating.
    • Intensity: Lower the intensity of your workout or take more frequent breaks to avoid overheating.
    • Gradual Exposure: Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts over a period of 1-2 weeks to help your body adjust to the heat.
    • Shaded Areas: Whenever possible, choose shaded areas for your workout to reduce sun exposure.
    • Avoid Concrete and Asphalt: These surfaces can become extremely hot and radiate heat, increasing your risk of overheating.
    • Cold Packs: Use cold packs or wet towels on your neck, wrists, and forehead to cool down quickly after exercise.
    • Cool Showers: Take a cool shower or bath to help lower your body temperature.

    Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

    • Heat Cramps: Muscle cramps, often in the legs or abdomen.
    • Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, fast or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
    • Heat Stroke: High body temperature (above 103°F), hot, red, dry or moist skin, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
    • Rest When Needed: If you feel dizzy, weak, or excessively tired, stop exercising and rest in a cool place.
    • Seek Medical Help: If you experience symptoms of heat stroke, seek medical help immediately.

    By following these precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with exercising in high heat and enjoy your outdoor activities safely.