03/07/22- UK HealthCare Expands Partnership with KHSAA, Continues Long-Term Commitment to State Championship Events

March 7, 2022 Baseball Blog Updates

UK HealthCare and the KHSAA announced Monday that they have expanded their long-time partnership. UK HealthCare, the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky, will serve as the official health care provider for the KHSAA. This move will see UK HealthCare take its title sponsorship of the KHSAA State Football Championship and extend the term of that arrangement, become the title sponsor for the Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® Basketball tournament and serve as presenting sponsor for other KHSAA sports and sport-activity championships. 

“We’re honored to be the official health care provider for KHSAA,” said Mark F. Newman, M.D., UK executive vice president for health affairs. “At UK HealthCare, we are always looking to partner with organizations across the state to provide top-tier health care to every Kentuckian who needs it. We appreciate the opportunity to extend this care to the young athletes of Kentucky.”

UK HealthCare has had a long-time partnership with the Association as its orthopaedics department continues to provide top-of-the-line sports medicine and athletic training services at KHSAA Championship events in the Lexington area.

“UK HealthCare has long been one of the leading advocates for student-athlete safety,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Their staff of doctors, certified athletic trainers and their entire team of medical professionals have assisted the KHSAA and its member schools and student-athletes for decades. Their constant emphasis on safety, prevention, care and treatment of students makes them the perfect long-term partner, and we are thankful they continue to be in for the long haul.”

The partnership will also continue a long-standing emphasis on ever-evolving health care needs around interscholastic athletics and sport-activities. Both UK HealthCare and the KHSAA recognize the influence that sports play not only in the daily lives of the students but in preparing them for a healthy future beyond their participation.

“As the most important health care team for the athletes, our UK HealthCare Sports Medicine providers are pleased to continue our complete coverage of all of the athletes in the KHSAA,” said Jeffrey B. Selby, chair of the UK HealthCare Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. “UK HealthCare Sports Medicine provides the most comprehensive and expert athlete care in the state. This relationship with UK HealthCare also provides a great opportunity for family members of these athletes to be treated for any orthopedic or other health condition.”

“We are proud to be in this partnership,“ Tackett stated. “People like Rob Ullery, who now serves as Director, Outreach and Athletic Training Services, Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine for UK HealthCare, as well as their entire team of practitioners have been vital to so many of the things we do to make sure we stay on the cutting edge with advice to our schools and updates in regulations. The partnership between the sports medicine providers and doctors throughout the state has us in a very good position to offer assistance to our member schools and their students. This partnership will continue to emphasize that priority.”

KHSAA partnerships are marketed exclusively by the Association and marketing firm, TPG. Those interested in partnering should contact KHSAA Brand Manager Sara Hacker at skhacker@khsaa.org.