An injured football player comes off the field during a playoff game. Dr. Richard Erickson – “Doc” as everyone calls him - and Naperville Central Athletic Trainer, Bill Hughes, proceed to reduce his dislocated shoulder. “That feels great, can I go back in?” asks the athlete with hope in his eyes. “No, son, in fifteen minutes it’s not going to feel so good.” Minutes later the player returns, admitting, “Doc, you were right. This really hurts.” With a chuckle, Dr. Erickson pats him on the good shoulder, winking, “This isn’t my first rodeo.”Starting in 1986, with an invitation from Hughes, the Wheaton Sports Medicine group, Drs. Dominguez, Groen, Baker and Erickson, began volunteering their orthopedic services every Friday night during home football games at both Naperville Central and Naperville North. While a team physician for high school play seemed like a luxury in the mid-1980’s, it is now standard practice throughout the state of Illinois, and that original invitation cemented an important relationship between Dr. Erickson and Naperville Central. Doc’s familiar presence on the sidelines for over 30 years made a tremendous difference in the care and confidence of NCHS athletes. No stranger to competitive athletics, Erickson is a former standout ice hockey and soccer player for Wheaton College. He continued his academic pursuits at the University of Illinois Medical School, originally pursuing pediatrics before finding a passion for orthopedic surgery, a pathway that allowed him to merge his love of sport and talent in medicine.His three decade relationship with Naperville Central stems from his strong commitment to his profession and his dedication to his good friend Bill Hughes. Together, they developed a state-of-the-art athletic training program and facility that takes care of all Redhawk athletes, coaches and staff. Says Hughes, “Richard Erickson’s orthopedic care is superior, as evidenced by the wonderful recoveries of the athletes, coaches, and parents he has treated. He is one of the most caring, patient, and loving physicians I have ever encountered, and this man stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to compassionate care for others. He is generous with both his time and resources, sponsoring many Illinois Athletic Training events, along with sponsoring our annual golf outing.”While Rich has been a quiet and humble builder of the Naperville Central Athletic training program’s legacy, it is his wife of 39 years, Joanne, his two adult daughters, Britta and Ingrid, both former competitive athletes for Wheaton College, his grandchildren, and his deep Christian faith that are his bedrock. His charity work has been international in its scope, as Richard Erickson has helped people heal all over the world.Asked to identify a moment that stands out from his time on the sideline, Erickson states that “being a part of not one, but two IHSA State Football championships were memorable. It’s working with Hughes and Mark Florence and numerous coaches” that are his cherished memories. For Dr. Erickson, the goal has always been to build the relationships with the athletes, coaches and parents that are critical for connection and healing.Dr. Erickson’s skill and passion is not exclusive to the athletes on the football field. Numerous members of the Naperville Central coaching and teaching staff, with a recommendation from Bill Hughes, would be quickly seen by Dr. Erickson or any member of his medical team, including off hours. Erickson’s generous spirit once extended to the preschool-age daughter of a Naperville Central coach who fell and broke her arm at a family cookout on the 4th of July. Erickson insisted that the coach bring his daughter to empty office on the holiday to help cast the broken arm, in addition to easing the fear of the young patient. The “house that Dr. Erickson built” is both literal and figurative for the Redhawk family.The growth of Sports Medicine at Naperville Central is a direct result of watching Dr. Erickson work on the sidelines. Coaches and staff members have created and entire Physical Education curriculum for Athletic Training, giving students hands-on experience working in the training room and on the sideline. Richard Erickson has graciously devoted his time to mentoring each class, providing a basic introduction to the fast growing field. Brick by brick, these small acts grow a foundation for students and athletes, helping them see new possibilities for staying involved in sport after their playing career is done. It also shapes the advice Dr. Erickson has for today’s student-athlete: “Get involved in areas that fit your passions and skills.”The legacy of Dr. Richard Erickson’s selfless time devoted to Naperville Central football has grown to an entire branch of Athletic Training in the classroom and in practice for all sports at Naperville Central. As Dr. Richard Erickson moves into retirement, his practice at Edward-Elmhurst continues to provide medical services with Dr. Kellen Choi – the proverbial passing of the baton to a new, well established generation of future medical professionals.