Coach Kyle Kissack athletically moved to the dunk tank’s seat, not the easiest of tasks.
The Rochelle Hubs’ varsity football coach, who had just worked his squad for two-plus hours, looked squarely into a large group of players gathered in the parking lot in front of Rock Valley Physical Therapy (234 May Mart Drive) and proclaimed:
“I’ll be dry for a while with this group throwing.’’
Kissack’s players laughed.
Others on hand at the night set aside to thank the Rochelle community in celebration of Rock Valley’s first year in the community, also laughed at Kissack, who led his club to a 10-2 mark in 2024 and a spot in the IHSA Class 5A quarterfinals.
Truth be told, the first 12 throws to dunk Coach Kissack – one of six Rochelle coaches who took a seat in the dunk tank on a gorgeous night in the heart of a wonderful community – missed.
Soon, though, Hubs players found the range…
It was the perfect ending to a perfect night.
Food, fellowship, and fun – lots of fun – highlighted Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s one-year celebration of setting down – and establishing community-minded – roots, in a warm and inviting community.
The night featured games, a dunk tank, Rock Valley and Rochelle High School swag giveaways, and food provided by Ralfie’s BBQ and catering and Roiel Scoop ice cream truck. Both played delicious roles in the celebration.
“We are beyond happy Rock Valley made a commitment to be part of our community,’’ said Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows, an upbeat and outgoing sort, who has led the city since 2019. “We need leaders in healthcare, not only to care for and rehabilitate, but to educate and keep us moving forward as a healthy community.’’
Bearrows spoke glowingly of Rock Valley clinic manager Jonathan Staab, PT, DPT, BFR, TSAC-F, therapist Brittany Hudson, PT, DPT, and Tabitha Murray, Clinic Experience Associate.
“Jonathan has done a tremendous job making himself available to the community,’’ Bearrows said. “He is outgoing, energetic, and always there to help. Tabitha makes you feel at home when in the clinic and Brittany, I must tell you, played a huge role in getting me better.’’
Suffering from vertigo recently, Bearrows called on Hudson, a vestibular specialist (vestibular issues involve problems with the balance system, often causing symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and visual disturbances).
“I had it bad,’’ Bearrows said of his fight with vertigo. “If I turned my head down or moved a certain way, I was in trouble. I went to Rock Valley and Brittany. I know her, her husband is from here, and I know the family. In two visits she fixed my vertigo issue. Amazing, seriously. I was so grateful. I had no idea why or how it happened, but she explained what was going on and fixed it. Again, so glad Rock Valley is here and will grow with us.’’
A dedicated husband and loving father of two, Staab is knowledgeable and forever passionate about providing great care for Rochelle and surrounding communities. His goal for the night of appreciation is to become an annual event in hopes of sharing gratitude for a community that has embraced him, his family and all that is Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
Staab, it must be noted, was the first in the dunk tank on the night. Hudson third. All monies raised from paid attempts at dunking coaches and Rock Valley staff went to Rochelle athletic programs.
“None of this would be possible without the approval of our leadership team, my family, and also our staff of Tabitha and Brittany,’’ said Staab, who has made tremendous inroads with patients of all ages and with athletes at all levels in the community. Staab also serves the city of Rochelle’s (power) linemen sector with rehabilitation.
“Quickly the community made it apparent with open arms that I felt welcomed but also needed,’’ Staab added. “Our goal as a physical therapy clinic in Rochelle, is to provide a high standard approach to patient care that nobody else is able to offer. Each one of our staff members has their own niche and treatment plan that is individualized for each person that walks through the door that will help each patient reach their goals faster, and safer.’’
The night of appreciation – and the community’s response – touched Staab’s heart.
“Seeing 200 people come through our doors for our community appreciation event speaks louder than words on what that means for me and for our clinic,’’ said Staab, who earned his undergraduate degree from Bradley University in Health Science and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Jamestown in Fargo, N.D.
“I just hope that one day I am able to give back enough to our community and patients, for what they have given to me within my first year here. Without the support of our community, we would not be able to have an impact on the lives of each person that has communicated with us in any way, shape, or form. Thank you to Rochelle and Rock Valley for allowing us to prove that we belong here, and we are here to stay.’’
A busy mother of two and a gifted, compassionate therapist, Hudson says she loves what she does, in a community that means so much to her, for a company that treats her like family.
Hudson, who earned her undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, specializes in balance and fall prevention, blood flow restriction, chronic pain dry needling geriatrics, orthopedics, pelvic floor, vestibular therapy, and worker’s compensation/return to work.
“Rock Valley allows me to focus on my patients one-on-one and really take the time to create better outcomes and successes,’’ said Hudson, who like Staab, is a Geneseo, Il. native, but is firmly entrenched in Rochelle.
“Rock Valley is like a family, and you are treated like family. That’s a good feeling. It’s amazing (Rochelle). I like treating people in a community I call home. It’s special to be able to give back to my community through my occupation. It makes work feel less like work and more that you are doing something for other people. I love it.’’
Kissack, who played quarterback at Eastern Illinois University alongside former Dallas Cowboy star Tony Romo, says Staab has won the respect of coaches and players across the Rochelle landscape.
“He has done a great job with our athletes,” said Kissack, who also had great praise for his players and the continuity of his staff. “He has also been doing some speed and agility work with some of our kids and that has played a positive role. Jonathan wants to make us better but even more so wants to better the community. He is involved and he cares. We are glad to have him.’’
Rock Valley Physical Therapy and Rochelle, Il… A winning and caring combination.
No referral needed. Rochelle clinic Phone number: (815) 888-0850 https://www.rockvalleypt.com/locations/rochelle-illinois/
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller