The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and SportsMED Orthopaedic Specialists, P.C., celebrate the naming of the SportsMED Arena in Spragins Hall on the UAH campus. Gathering for the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Tyler Daniel, UAH assistant athletic director for internal operations; Jon Moseley, head coach, UAH volleyball; Mick Hedgepeth, head coach, UAH men’s basketball; Dr. Cade Smith, director, UAH Athletics; Dr. Charles Karr, UAH president; Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMED orthopedic surgeon; Blake Bentley, SportsMED CEO; Allen Sharpe, head coach, UAH women’s basketball; Penn Garvich, UAH deputy athletic director for external operations; David Cain, head coach, UAH men's and women's cross country and track and field programs; Dr. Helen Lien, senior development officer, UAH Athletics.
Michael Mercier | UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Chargers will be playing basketball and volleyball in the SportsMED Arena for the next 10 years, thanks to a new partnership with SportsMED Orthopaedic Specialists, P.C. The orthopedic and spine care center recently gave UAH $325,000 toward a total pledge of $1,300,000 to name the gymnasium in Spragins Hall.
The University of Alabama (UA) System Board of Trustees approved the pledge and the naming at their Nov. 7 meeting. UAH is a part of the UA System.
“At SportsMED, we believe that world-class care begins with world-class education,” said SportsMED Director of Business Development Kelsey Siniard. “UAH continues to push the boundaries of research, athletics and academic excellence, and we’re proud to support an organization that’s driving growth and opportunity in North Alabama. This partnership is an investment not just in UAH, but in the future of our community’s health and success.”
Dr. Eric Janssen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in innovative sports medicine and the treatment of shoulder and knee injuries at SportsMED. He’s also a longtime fan of UAH.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving as a physician in this community for more than 30 years,” he said, “and during that time I’ve watched UAH grow into one of the most respected institutions in the region. I’ve been honored to care for their student-athletes, faculty and administrators, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to support a university that continues to elevate education, research and athletics right here in our community. Working alongside UAH has been one of the great joys of my career, and I’m excited for SportsMED to continue supporting the university’s mission.”
The new SportsMED Arena partnership builds on past support that has helped the Chargers thrive.
“We are so indebted to SportsMED and their long history of supporting the UAH Athletic Department,” said Dr. Cade Smith, UAH Director of Athletics. “This gift is extremely impactful for our department. It is an indication that SportsMED is committed to investing in our university and community, and we could not be more grateful. This partnership will help us to further enhance the experience of our student-athletes as we continue to elevate UAH Athletics in our city and region!”
Smith is already anticipating the wins ahead.
“I look forward to many great moments in SportsMED Arena,” he said. “Go, Chargers!”