Athletics

Athletic Training

Taking Care of our Athletes

Prevention and treatment is never far away. We have a full-time Athletic Trainer on site for all practices and home events, providing care for our Saints and our opponents. The athletic trainer at St. Christopher's provides care for our 6-12 Grade student athletes.

What is an athletic trainer?
Athletic trainers are health care professionals certified by the National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA). They are also licensed by the Board of Medicine in many states, including Virginia.

Certified athletic trainers work closely with and under the direction of physicians. They are responsible for the prevention, evaluation/emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation of many different injuries and medical conditions. These health care professionals are a vital component of a successful sports program.

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Pre-participation Athletic Physical Options
All St. Christopher's student athletes (Grades 7-12) are required to have a current physical on file prior to athletic participation. Physicals will be considered current for one year after the examination date. If your son needs an updated sports physical, and you are unable to schedule it with his primary care physician, please consider one of the options listed below:
- Ortho-on-call: No appointment necessary ($30 fee) 8910 D Three Chopt Rd. Richmond, VA 23229 11600 Busy St. Richmond, VA 23236 804-440-HURT
- CVS Minute Clinic: No appointment necessary ($35 fee) 5001 W. Broad St. (Corner of W. Broad St. and Willow Lawn Dr.) 1-866-389-2727
- Dr. Steve Reece: Call for appointment ($30 fee) Advanced Orthopedic Centers 7858 Shrader Rd. Richmond, VA 23294 804-270-1305
- CJW Sports Medicine: Call for appointment ($35 fee) 500 Hioaks Rd. Suite A Richmond, VA 23225 804-560-6500
Weight Room Hours

During the school year, the weight room is open the following times:
Monday-Friday
Noon-6 p.m.

Summer Lifting Hours
Monday-Friday
8-10 a.m., 3-5 p.m.

Athletics

Our athletes benefit from the expertise of a full-time Athletic Trainer and two full-time Strength & Conditioning coaches with varied experience at both the college and high school level.

Robin Eldridge

Robin joined St. Christopher’s School part-time in 1997 becoming the full-time Athletic Trainer in 2013. She earned her undergraduate degree in health science and athletic training from James Madison University, a Master of Exercise Physiology degree from University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and became a National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Board certified athletic trainer and is licensed to practice through the Virginia Board of Medicine. In 2022, Robin was awarded the Albert Luck “Petey” Jacobs Memorial Award for Distinguished Coaching.
Coach Bob Blanton

Coach Bob Blanton was an Olympic weightlifter in the 1970s as well as a strength consultant to the NBA's Washington Bullets. In 1971, he joined St. Christopher’s athletic department as the first full time Strength Coach. In 1990, Blanton became a National Strength and Conditioning Association-certified strength and conditioning specialist. Over the past 50 years, he has worked with StC athletes from all sports and currently runs the strength and conditioning program.
Coach Keith Wright

In 2017, Coach Keith Wright began as Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. He earned a degree in exercise science degree from VCU and is a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. He is also a USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach. Wright has worked with StC athletes of all sports. He's been a huge hit with the Middle School boys by developing an introductory program.