The following are testimonials from athletic directors on the benefits and importance of sports screening physicals with cardiac testing.

Rob Roberson

Ron Roberson is the athletic director for Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He supports the TOPS program to provide student athletes with free sports screening physicals with cardiac testing. He was worked with TOPS for the full five years he has been at the school.

"The TOPS screenings are a great idea," exclaims Roberson. "The physicals are far more thorough than the exams students would receive if they went to a doctor's office to fulfill the physical examination requirement. And it's free for the parents and students - a small time commitment on one Saturday and they're done!"

Roberson encourages coaches and parents to support this event and offers advice on how to incorporate it into a students' everyday schedule without interfering with his or her prior commitments. "Have a Spring Sports Day where students are required to have the TOPS physical, instead of attending practice," he suggests. "Talk about the event at parent club meetings; it's one of the best things you can do for your students

Sid Bailey

Sid Bailey, principal at a Cactus Shadows High School and former athletic director for Glendale Union District, as well as principal for Washington High School, has supported the TOPS event for the past six years.

"It's phenomenal and every city in the United States should be part of this program," says Bailey. "It's not just a generic physical. Parents would have to pay a lot of money to provide their children with an examination like this in a doctor's office."

Bailey, who serves as a liaison with TOPS for the Glendale District, applauds the medical community for their participation in this event. "To provide over 2,000 physicals in one day requires a lot of effort on the part of physicians and other medical professionals. The logistics of organizing this event takes work throughout the year," Bailey explains. "It's refreshing to see this deep commitment to providing young athletes with this type of first class physical."

Moody Jackson, Ph.D.

Phoenix Union High School Athletic Director Moody Jackson has been with the school for 27 years and has been a strong supporter of TOPS from its inception. He believes that the free screenings are a valuable service for schools in Maricopa County, Arizona because early detection can save lives.

"These physicals include an EKG and other important tests that students would not receive from a standard physical in a doctor's office," Jackson explains. "It's a wonderful community service that helps protect the health of our students and it's free for the parents - a win/win situation."

Jackson is a huge supporter of the program. "I think that parents appreciate this service and I urge coaches, school administrators, parents and students to continue to take advantage of the opportunities offered through the TOPS physicals," Jackson says.