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Biomedical Engineer, Thomas Talavage, says that “Over one million young men play high school football annually, with approximately 67,000 diagnosed concussions each year."
Talavage explains that Functionally-Detected Cognitive Impairment (FDCI) in high school players results from repeated head impacts, even without diagnosed concussions. This will affect memory, attention, and reaction time.
However, because of the efforts by the Hastings Athletic Department, Riddell, Berry Community Foundation (BCF), and the donors that wish to remain anonymous, Hastings High School will receive 24 new Riddell Axiom helmets and a collection of Riddell Power CPK shoulder pads to outfit both linemen and skill players.
After six seasons with the same protective equipment, the Coaches and the Athletic Director, Micheal Mohn, decided to upgrade to the Riddell Axiom helmet, which offers a personalized fit, enhanced impact protection, and real-time impact tracking.
Its Tru-Fit™ system customizes internal padding using 3D scanning, while the Surround Flex System improves impact response. The Tru-View™ Frontal Protection System removes the traditional top bar of the face mask for better flexibility, absorption, and visibility.
Riddell’s InSite app, aids in early detection and intervention. The Axiom’s InSite Technology provides real-time head impact data, helping coaches monitor and reduce Head Impact Exposure (HIE).
“The coaches actually approached me," said Mohn. “I told them to have at it. I want these coaches to know that they have a say in how the budget is spent.”
After getting input from coaches, and building his knowledge of the concerns regarding his student athletes safety, Mohn decided that it was time for the young athletes to receive an equipment upgrade.
Bonnie Gettys, CEO and President of Barry Community Foundation (BCF), was the first point of contact for Hastings High School.
Within BCF is a donor-advised fund that is directly used for the community of Barry County.
The donors of BCF say, “Distribution of the funds, for benevolent and/or charitable purposes within the County of Barry area (as approved by the Internal Revenue Service) will be granted to assist the elderly and youth of our community to access services and programs that would enhance their lives."
As stated in the donors' letter, this fund is frequently added to, and occasionally released by way of grants to the public.
With this request from the school, BCF was able to contact the donors for the fund. The very next day, Mohn and his coaches met with Berry Community Foundation and a representative from Riddell to learn and share information, in order to decide what number of helmets and shoulder pads would be best for the football program.
Hastings High School athletic department and BCF settled on the newest option from Riddell. Mohn said, “It creates a better safety element for the entire program.”
Getty said, “The proposal came to us from the school and I then shared it with the
donors, who are thrilled to be helping with this highly technical project that may prevent lifelong injuries."
With the donors taking such an interest in the well-being of the next generation of
student athletes, it didn't take long for Berry Community Foundation to receive donations for the cause.
Getty mentioned that, “The foundation and the donors are anxious to see the results." And they hope to maybe see this gift replicated for other programs.
As listed on paper, the grant from BCF to the Hastings Athletic Department was exactly $17,529.95.
“We are unbelievably thankful for the people who are willing to give so much to these kids," said Mohn.
Written by Evan Murphy