North Oaks Sports Medicine Announces Student-Athletes of the Month for November

The North Oaks Sports Medicine team is cheering for Isaiah Gilbert, Courtney Jones, Landon Morgan andClarissa Smith as “Student-Athletes of the Month” for November.

Ponchatoula High School senior Gilbert, 17, has a 3.0 GPA. He has excelled as a runner by placing ninth in the 5A Cross Country State Meet and earning all-state honors. He also was selected as the Cross Country MVP for Tangipahoa Parish and also received all-district honors.

Cross Country Head Coach Jennifer Howes Drake defines Gilbert as an excellent role model for his peers and teammates. She adds that he is constantly seeking opportunities to excel in his sport and develop as a leader, motivating his teammates in the weight room and even during off-season training. He is the son of Oliver Gilbert and Karen Garrett.

From left, North Oaks Sports Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt, Ponchatoula High School Athletic Director Tim Matte', Karen Garrett, Isaiah Gilbert, Cross Country Head Coach Jennifer Howes Drake, North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Jonathan Gantt and Principal Danny Strickland.

Hammond Magnet High School Soccer Coach Anne Klein calls sophomore Jones a “coach’s dream player: skill, passion and integrity.” With a 3.75 GPA, the 15-year-old plays midfield and defense and is a founding member of the girls’ soccer team.

Klein adds that she gives everything her all, scoring goals and playing every position on the field.

“Her never-quit attitude encourages her teammates to keep trying. Her passion for the sport can be seen in not only her playing ability, but without being asked, she will haul equipment in or out without being asked,” Klein shares.

Her parents are Jerry Jones and Rose McCon.

From left, Hammond High School Principal Chad Troxclair, Head Soccer Coach Anne Klein, Courtney Jones, North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Kerrin Sitman and North Oaks Sports Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt.

Morgan, 18, is an Albany High School point guard for the basketball team, who also has lettered in baseball. A senior, he has a GPA of 3.0. Head Basketball Coach Frank Schneider credits Morgan with leading the team to the semi-finals of the Livingston Parish Tournament, scoring 19 points and with six assists.

Last year, Morgan was named Honorable Mention All-District. In addition, Schneider notes that he is a member of the Livingston Parish Schools Talented Music Program. He also plays music at his church, Blood River Baptist Church in Albany, where he is an active youth leader and participates in mission work. His parents are Tim and April Morgan.

From left, North Oaks Sports Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt, Albany High School Principal Jill Prokop, Landon Morgan, North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Mandy Trepagnier and Head Basketball Coach Frank Schneider.

Seventeen-year-old Smith is a Holden High School senior with a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the cross country team. Coach Sandi Stafford describes her as a model student-athlete both in and out of the classroom, noting she has a good rapport with her teachers and is well-respected among her peers.

Smith has won several cross country races throughout her high school running career, and in November, she won the individual Class B State Championship. As a junior, she finished second in state and as a sophomore, she finished third in state. She was also elected Homecoming Queen this year. She is the daughter of Brian and Lisa Dooley.

From left, Holden High School Principal Designee Rusty Hutchinson, Clarissa Smith, North Oaks Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt and Head Cross Country Coach Sandi Stafford.

From August 2013 to April 2014, North Oaks Sports Medicine staff and North Oaks Physician Group orthopedic surgeons will choose a male and female from the two parishes who have a 3.0 grade point average or higher, excel in athletic competition, participate in school and community organizations and have earned the respect of coaches, teammates, officials, teachers and their peers. In May, they will choose a “Student-Athlete of the Year” from all the monthly honorees.

Nominations are accepted from coaches, athletic directors and principals.

Nomination forms can be submitted online here or can be requested by calling North Oaks Sports Medicine at (985) 230-5248.