MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Michael Graybar

dy·nam·ic : adjective
1: of or relating to physical force or energy 2: marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change 3: energetic, forceful 4: Dr. Michael Graybar.
Dynamic was the one word that resonates after interviewing Dr. Graybar for this article, and it is the perfect word to describe the effect he has on every area of life he touches. As a chiropractor, a father, a man of faith, and as a coach, he is the example of continuous and productive activity and change.
The change he brings to healing physical pain is dynamic to his patients, the changes he is bringing to the lives of many young people will be dynamic to our community.
Michael Graybar was raised in New Jersey, went to college in Pennsylvania, where he played soccer and lettered all four years, In the relatively short time he has been in North Carolina, his practice has grown from one to three office locations, with a staff of three chiropractors. Among their patients are the Wilmington Hammerheads professional soccer team.
The practice is demonstrating its commitment to the health of children with the creation of a KIDS wellness clinic. Drs. Graybar, Johnson and Luxeder have set aside special times at all three office locations when children under 12 are treated with Chiropractic care using the Pro-Adjuster free of charge. The care provided at the KIDS wellness clinic does not include care provided for injury or accidents, but is designed to promote and maintain wellness during the age when the spine is developing.
Dr. Graybar is the father of five children under the age of 12. When his then eight year old showed an interest in soccer, there were no programs locally, so he took him to Wilmington for practices and games. As any of you who taxi the kids to their activities know, that can get old! Dr. Graybar decided to start a team
here. He worked to develop and coach a soccer program at Charity Middle School. The first year, there were 12 kids who tried out. Enough for a team. The second year, there were 30. The interest is multi-racial, and the team finished with a 5-1 record.
“The effect goes beyond the game.”, Dr. Graybar said. “A good athletic program ripples pride which splashes into school pride.”
There are currently teams at Wallace Elementary and Charity Middle School. Dr. Graybar has been Varsity Coach for the Charity team; and this year will coach the first Varsity Men’s soccer team playing at Wallace-Rose Hill High in four years. The open practice session begins July 7, with official try-outs during the first week in August. The first season, they will play 16-18 games.
To Dr. Graybar, this is not just a soccer program, but is an opportunity to give options. The program incorporates academic and life goals as well as games skills. The W-RH program will include academic incentives, a mentoring program, and a community service requirement. The focus will be to emphasize a purpose for their lives and in their life.
Each team member will be suited with a JOMA training suit, team bag and jerseys. Players who maintain their academic grades will be able to complete the season, and maintain averages at or above standard during the entire year prior to the start of the soccer season, will have the training suits and bags personalized and will be given them to keep at the end of the season. Players will be reviewed mid-season for academic eligibility. This program will create a commitment in the students to keep their grades up throughout the year and create a sense of honor and pride.
With all this, Dr. Graybar is far from finished. He sees the need for a girl’s soccer program and the need for a recreation program in town. He said that out of 60 students who will try out, only 25 will develop. There is a need for more programs to strengthen the youth in the community.
The Team Motto states that “You develop a team to achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. All of us alone, by far, are weaker than if we stand together.” This is the dynamic vision of a dynamic man.
For more information on the KIDS clinic, the soccer teams, or to share in the vision by sharing time or resources, contact Dr. Graybar at 910-285-7222 or dgraybar@aol.com