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Ringing the Bell

Ringing the Bell

6 years, 7 months ago Mike Moyers

New technology helps coaches avoid head injuries

When Will Smith starts making movies about concussions you have to take the issue seriously.  And that’s exactly what those in the world of sports is doing.  Especially first year head Varsity Football Coach Conner McGlaughlin of Unity/Payson.

“I was meeting with our Riddell rep and talking about helmets and as soon as I heard about the Riddell Insight program I knew it was something I wanted for our team,” McGlaughlin explained.  “The last 2 models the company made, the Riddell Speed and Riddell Flex, can be equipped with a sensor that will record data on how much pressure the helmet absorbs.   What intrigued me about it is it allows me to have an extra set of eyes-and a very sophisticated set of eyes-on each and every one of my players.  Having the ability to go back and review that data can completely change the way we coach and the way the players play the game.”

As with most sports at the high school level funding for uniforms and equipment is needed from the private sector.  And this project is no different.

“We’ve had a couple of local businesses who have been able to help with this.  And our football committee has raised some additional dollars which has enabled us to purchase sensors for 10 of our players.”

The roster of the Unity/Payson varsity program totals 48 young men; meaning the program is still well short of having enough sensors to cover everyone.

“Riddell has a program that allows parents to purchase a sensor for their young person which the player could use during his entire time with me here in the program,” McGlaughlin continued.   “But the community has been fantastic in making this affordable.”

The cost of each sensor starts at $155.00 for the older model Riddell Speed and at the top end of $180.00 for the newer Riddell Flex model..

“We try to buy a few new helmets every year as we phase out the older models that have reached their 10 year limit,” McGlaughlin explained.  “And Riddell is going to include sensors as part of the helmet purchase moving forward.”

If you would like to help with the health and well being of a young football player you can contact Coach McGlaughlin at:

conner.mclaughlin@cusd4.com 

I’m sure he and his team would greatly appreciate your contribution.   Just make the check out to:  U-P Mustang Football.   Please allow me to say thank you in advance.

   

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