Oklahoma State University Athletics
Q&A with Head Team Physician Dr. Iven
June 22, 2007 | Cowboy Football
Yes, I'm coming next week for a few days to do some physicals. Kids come in for physicals on two different occasions in the summer, some in June and some in July. I came last month and helped with physicals for June and will come next week for the July physicals. I plan on being in Stillwater full time in mid-July.
How is the transition/moving process coming along?
It's no fun to move. We've only made one move and that was from Oklahoma to Tennessee. So it's one of those things that with your family and all, it just takes time. I don't like to move and I wouldn't have moved for just anyone. In a lot of ways it will be a move that we're looking forward to.
Are you and your wife, Angela, happy to be coming home?
Absolutely. Angela's dad lives in Oklahoma City and my folks are up in Pond Creek. I have a 101-year-old grandmother in Enid. And what's nice is that being in Stillwater, you can get to Enid, Pond Creek and Oklahoma City in just an hour or so. It will be a bigger transition for my kids. Stillwater is such a nice community and we've met so many nice families already that I think they'll adapt really well.
How did you become interested in athletics?
Growing up as a kid in a small town where the community revolves around athletics, you play every sport and that's what there is to do. I love sports. My dad was a high school referee for 20-25 years and introduced me to athletics. I've been around it forever. I'm not a very big guy. I'm 5'7” and 150 pounds. When you're that size you know you don't have an extended career in sports. I've always been interested in medicine and so I went to medical school. I was always open-minded as to what I wanted to do. I thought sports medicine would be fun to continue my love for athletics and sports and to also practice medicine. I couldn't be happier. Its very gratifying to take care of young healthy people with goals, where when they get sick they want to get better as soon as they can.
What are the differences and/or similarities between Tennessee and OSU?
From what I do there might not be a huge difference. I see a lot of similarities though. The people in both places are alike-- very down to earth and very nice people. Passion for sports is quite similar. Oklahoma loves high school and college athletics. High school athletics is a bit better in Oklahoma than in Tennessee. From a sports medicine standpoint, the facilities (when they're finished) will be nicer in Stillwater than they were in Tennessee. We're anxious to be a part of the growth of a new program and the ability to be a part of that. When you're an alumni at that school, it's special to be able to go back to your alma mater. We've loved Tennessee, the people and the relationships we've made, and the opportunities we've had. But there's nothing like being around your family and the people you grew up with and your alma mater.
What is your greatest moment(s) at Tennessee?
I've been really lucky to have had a lot. As a family, my children were born here. As a father, that's a very special occasion, to be a father to two healthy, active kids. In terms of athletically, in 1998 we won the national championship in football. Being a part of that team and that success was very special. We had three College World Series appearances in Omaha and one national championship in track and field. I think through the years, just the relationships I've had with the young men and watching them go on with their careers with the NFL or with baseball in the major leagues. Keeping in touch with them is gratifying. I've been blessed to have an opportunity to do that being a guy from Oklahoma out here and not knowing anybody. And I'm equally blessed to be coming back to be a part of things at Oklahoma State.
Tennessee faces Georgia often since both teams are in the SEC. What can OSU expect from Georgia in the first football game of the season on Sept. 1?
A lot of tradition, great athletes and a rabid fan base. They have a wide-open, innovative offensive coach. They expect to compete year in and year out for the SEC championship and they're disappointed if they don't. It's a great thing to open your season against that kind of competition. That's where you want to be if you want your program to be the best. I think it will be a great game. OSU proved last year it's right there, especially the way the team finished in the bowl game against Alabama. I'm sure people in Stillwater and coaching staff and players are really looking forward to it. A lot of coaches here that I know have a lot of good things to say and are very respectful of several people on our coaching staff in Stillwater. Even in different conferences, it's amazing how coaches network. And there is a lot of respect from the SEC for the coaching staff at Oklahoma State.
Are there any precautions the medical staff takes for hot summer workouts, for example football's two-a-day practices?
From experience and the brief conversations I've had with Terry Noonan and Coach Rob Glass and people that are involved, I know that as you mature as a staff you learn what works and what doesn't. You have to prepare everywhere. But the heat can be a little different whether you're in Arizona, Oklahoma or Tennessee. The basic fundamentals are to encourage hydration, take appropriate rest breaks and maintain their body weight. We'll weigh them after practice and make sure no one has lost an extensive amount of weight. We'll also advise them on the right foods and fluids to consume and make sure they stay healthy. This is an issue everywhere, but I think the current staff at OSU has done a great job in the past.
