The Athletic Safety Organization dba ProTect Athletics is a collaborative effort between three former Athletic Equipment Managers. We are a 501c3 non-profit working to help all involved in athletics. We recognized the level of safety in athletics required improvement. Together this trio, through ProTect Athletics, plans to raise the level of safety in athletics at all levels, by working together with educational institutions, manufacturers, coaches, athletes, administrators, and parents across all levels of competition. Athletes, like employees, need to be protected. Get to know our Organization, our Mission, our Vision and Values.
Our Mission
To provide educational, research-based, collaboration, and training to promote the safety of athletes at all levels (youth, teenagers, young adults, adults, and seniors) while assisting, accrediting, and addressing various entities/organizations in the development and implementation of programming/testing/examinations related to athletes and sports safety.
Our Vision
We envision a future where athletes of all ages and levels can pursue their passion for sports in a safe and supportive environment. Through collaborative efforts with experts, manufacturers, leagues, stakeholders, and organizations, we aim to establish a global standard for safety in athletic participation. Our commitment is to empower athletes, coaches, and communities with knowledge and resources that foster a culture of health, resilience, and sustainable athletic excellence.
Our Values
- Athlete-Centric: We put athletes first. We are dedicated to promoting their safety, well-being, and empowerment at all levels of athletic participation.
- Research and Evidence-Based: We are committed to a research-based approach, utilizing scientific evidence and collaboration with experts to inform our practices.
- Collaboration and Partnership: We value the power of collaboration and work closely with experts, manufacturers, leagues, stakeholders, and organizations.
- Safety and Health: We prioritize the safety and health of athletes above all else. We believe athletes deserve to pursue their passions in a minimized-risk environment.
- Education and Empowerment: We believe in the transformative power of education to empower communities with knowledge regarding safety.
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We embrace innovation and strive for continuous improvement in athletic safety practices and exploring new technologies.
- Integrity and Transparency: We uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. We are transparent in our processes and decision-making.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: We value diversity and are committed to inclusivity in athletic participation, promoting equity across all backgrounds.
- Global Perspective: We have a global vision and aim to establish internationally recognized standards for athletic safety worldwide.
- Community Engagement: We strive to engage and empower athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters to create a culture of safety.
These values reflect the organization's commitment to athlete safety, research, collaboration, education, innovation, and community engagement.
Meet Our Founders
Lewis VanHoose
Co-Founder
Chris Kurman
Co-Founder
Jerry Fife
Co-Founder
Lewis VanHoose is a seasoned executive and athletic operations specialist with over 25 years of experience dedicated to the safety and protection of athletes. Currently serving as the President and CEO of Lakeshore Eagle Solutions, Lewis leverages an extensive background in procurement, fundraising, and high-level equipment management to drive excellence in sports administration. His professional foundation is built on the belief that elite performance begins with superior safety standards, a philosophy he has applied through rigorous risk analysis and the implementation of advanced equipment protocols.
What sets Lewis apart is his comprehensive perspective gained from working at every tier of organized athletics. From the grassroots intensity of high school sports to the high-stakes environment of Division I collegiate programs and the elite precision of the professional ranks, he possesses a rare, 360-degree understanding of the industry. This cross-level experience allows him to adapt sophisticated safety and management strategies to any environment, ensuring that athletes—whether student-competitors or professional stars—receive world-class support.
Central to his leadership approach is the "Together Everyone Achieves More" mantra. This principle has guided his management of diverse athletic departments and multi-sport programs, fostering a culture of collaborative accountability where equipment managers, coaches, and administrators work in lockstep. This team-centric philosophy was instrumental throughout a distinguished career that includes supporting 20 conference championship, 6 national championship, 2 OHSAA State championship, and 1 AFC championship teams at institutions/organizations like The Ohio State University, Louisiana Tech University, Eastern Michigan, and the University of Akron, as well as during specialized tenures with the Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, and Olentangy Liberty High School.
Beyond the athletic arena, Lewis is a forward-thinking leader deeply involved in new innovative technologies, implementing sustainable solutions to address global environmental challenges. Driven by a desire to make a lasting, positive impact on both his local community and the world at large, he balances his professional pursuits with a commitment to leaving a better footprint for future generations. A native of Cable, Ohio, Lewis holds a Master’s degree in Sports Leadership from Concordia University Chicago and remains a passionate advocate for the intersection of unified team dynamics, technological innovation, and organizational efficiency.
