With a football program that has won four state championships in the last 11 seasons, those in charge at Union City High School are doing all they can to “stay ahead of the game.”
New top-of-the-line Riddell Speedflex helmets – widely-considered to be the safest headgear on the market – have been ordered for the Golden Tornadoes and should arrive before spring practice begins.
Engineered to protect, perform and offer athletes maximum comfort, the Speedflex was given five stars by a 2019 Virginia Tech helmet study. The helmet is designed to protect against side impacts with Riddell’s patented PISP technology, with the biggest feature of the brand being the Flex System which reduces dangerous impacts.
“We are committed to the safety and health of our student-athletes,” said UC High School Principal Jacob Cross. “By providing our football players with the most advanced helmets available, we greatly increase our chances of preventing head injuries.
“The parents of our football players put their trust in us to keep their sons safe, and that is something we do not take lightly.”
The Tornadoes will thus have just one helmet in their uniform scheme moving forward – a gold one. Players were fitted for their headgear late last week at the fieldhouse by a Riddell representative with around 50 helmets in all ordered.
The Speedflex has been on the market since 2015 and is reportedly worn by an estimated 80 percent of college programs and 75 percent of National Football League players.
Riddell representatives insist football is safer now than it has ever been, due to industry requirements and technology’s impact in the testing of all equipment. The company has been a leader in those efforts, and the research and development of the Speedflex and front panel that safely absorbs a great deal of impact has been a major reason why.
Veteran UCHS defensive coordinator Wade Maddox was admittedly excited about the helmet upgrade and hopes it will ease some concern regarding recent health issues in the sport.
“Right now – in this era — concussions and their aftermath have caused a big concern among some parents and players,” Maddox said. “We’re always looking for anything and everything to upgrade the safety of our kids.
“As coaches, we have to pass a course every year on recognizing the symptoms of concussions and the steps we can take to prevent them. These new helmets will be a testimony to our commitment to player safety and we’re very fortunate to have an administration that is supportive of taking whatever measures we can to ensure the well-being of our student-athletes.”