NORFOLK, Neb. — A Norfolk native is taking over as team physician for Northeast Community College.

Yankton Medical Clinic announced Tuesday that one of its Norfolk clinic’s internal medicine physician, Dr. AJ Spanel, was named to the community college post. A news release says Athletic Director Jerrett Mills asked him to take the position in order to provide better oversight.

“From my own experiences as a student athlete, I know the decision of a Team Physician is critical for an athletic program and I have enjoyed working with the students,” Spanel said in a statement. “The Hawks are a great bunch of student athletes and are most likely away from home for the first time. I owe it to them, their parents, and the college, to make sure they receive the most thorough medical care they need, when they need it.”

Spanel is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician with Yankton Medical Clinic-Norfolk location.