COLUMBIA, Mo. - Columbia College is proud to announce that it has entered into a five-year partnership with the Columbia Orthopaedic Group to be a Premier Health Partner for Cougar Athletics. This agreement will formalize the relationship that has existed between the two landmark institutions in Columbia for more than 30 years.
COG, as the organization is more commonly known, has played a major role in Cougar Athletics since 1988. Their partnership has provided student-athletes with preseason physicals as well as unparalleled access and availability for care during the season. It has provided coverage at all major sporting events that Columbia College has hosted, including the NAIA National Championships in Softball (1991, 1993-95), Volleyball (2006-07) and Cross Country (2024). COG's dedication to its mission comes through, most notably in its elite communication with the athletic training team at Columbia College and the student-athletes it strives to help.
Shawn Sahota, Vice President & Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon, stated, "I am honored to extend our partnership and to continue serving as head team physician for this outstanding athletic program. It is a privilege to support the health and well-being of these student-athletes and work collaboratively with the athletic department and school. The institution plays a vital role in the fabric of Columbia, Missouri, and I am proud to contribute to the broader athletic community it represents. I look forward to strengthening this relationship and advancing our shared commitment to excellence over the years ahead".
Under the partnership agreement, Columbia Orthopaedic Group will receive enhanced visibility at home athletic events with signage, video advertisements and brand messaging. COG will lead injury prevention workshops designed for coaches, athletic trainers, strength & conditioning staff and athletes. They will also host Q&A sessions for faculty/staff/students and residents covering musculoskeletal health concerns, and provide internship and shadowing opportunities for Columbia College students.
"The relationship with COG and their sports medicine doctors has been an amazing part of my athletic training experience here at Columbia College," stated Columbia College Head Athletic Trainer Jon Barfknecht. "From our first interactions with Dr. Smith, Dr. Adams and Dr. Kinderknecht, to the incredible professionals leading its team today … COG is a major reason why the health care we provide our student-athletes is first-class."
Drew Grzella, Columbia College Associate Director of Athletics & Events, said, "I am grateful to Columbia Orthopaedic Group for choosing to continue their support of CC and our athletic department. Relationships are the key to any successful endeavor, and I'm excited to be walking alongside COG for years to come!"
