FLEMING ISLAND – As a co-owner of Preferred Physical Therapy, athletic trainer Allen Weiss’ work led to an esteemed client list, including every high school sports program in Clay County.

Weiss said he and his partner, Justin Weldon, had a vision that started with providing a trainer at Fleming Island High practice and game. Soon, the practice grew to every high school except Keystone.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center partnered with Weiss in 2015 to contract athletic trainers for every high school and junior high in the county, as well as Bradford High in Starke.

The contribution was about $700,000 worth of salary and supplies. The funds accelerated the process, Weiss said.

“What we were building towards, [St. Vincent’s] came in and filled the gaps,” Weiss said. “They allowed us to have more staff and now we have those services for every school in the county.”

Having a trainer on site to evaluate and treat injuries and handle emergency situations is invaluable, no matter the sport. When hiring a trainer, Weiss said, he tells them they’re an extension of the practice into the community and they need to uphold a high level of service.

“An athletic trainer needs to understand that 75% of their work is going to be done before and after the game,” Weiss said. “I will never hire the person who’s walking to the car as the whistle blows.”

Two of Weiss’ focuses were heat exhaustion and concussions.

“Those are two things that can go from zero to critical very quickly. It’s important to have trained medical staff on site, where that's our only job,” Weiss said. “We’re not the running backs coach doubling as somebody who tapes guys before practice. We’re not a teacher, not a nurse.”

On that point, Weiss has had plenty of time to ponder Kevin Durant’s injury during the NBA Finals. The former Golden State Warriors forward ruptured his Achilles tendon after the team physicians cleared him to play.

“In the near future, very few athletes are going to go to the team physician for care. They're going to get their own people who have their best interest in mind,” Weiss said. “Which is the way it should be, but unfortunately, it’s not.”

Weiss attended Florida State for his bachelor’s degree and the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences for his master’s degree. He joined Preferred Physical Therapy in 2006.

Weiss’ clients include U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team midfielder Morgan Brian, NFL guard Ian Silberman, former Xavier guard Malcom Bernard who plays in Finland, and Brittany Lewis, who plays basketball in Greece.

Weiss attended an invitation-only party two weeks ago in France celebrating the national team’s World Cup victory.

“Like most athletes, [Brian] had injuries from being a youngster to where she is now,” Weiss said. “I have her trust and have been able to work with her on things as she’s needed it. It is a complement when they want my advice on something.”