Walton High School is very fortunate to have had a relationship with Dr. Hugh McLeod and his family that started in 1982 and continues to impact our students and staff to this date. The Foundation will be providing 4 articles over the next few weeks so that all of our students and families can appreciate the McLeods’ contribution to our community.
Part 1: Dr. McLeod, the team physician.
In 1982, after completing an orthopaedic co-joint reconstruction fellowship in England, Hugh McLeod and his wife came to Marietta to set up his practice and their lives in east Cobb. As an athlete and an orthopedist, Dr. McLeod knew the importance of strength and conditioning for student athletes. As a college baseball player at Ole Miss that went to the 1972 World Series, Dr. McLeod wanted Walton athletes to receive the same services he received as a college athlete. He brought this concept to Walton’s principal, Tony Arasi, who was very receptive to this idea.
During the early years, Dr. McLeod was on the sidelines for every Walton football game. He knew that all of our sports and athletes deserved his support and services. But, there were not enough hours in his day to allow one man to provide these services. He began working with Walton’s coaches to provide strength and conditioning instruction to prevent injuries to Walton’s athletes. He also invested his own money to purchase tables and equipment to help improve the care provided. He worked closely with Walton’s sports trainer and paid for a student trainer to help increase the number of sports covered under his supervision. Dr. McLeod’s efforts to provide support to a local high school and try to reduce sports related injuries was a new concept in Cobb County. And, this was just the first phase of Dr. McLeod’s generosity and legacy at Walton.
