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Springfield College Athletic Trainer Talks Concussions


Friday night football is a tradition for millions across America. That tradition, however, is facing increasing controversy.

In September, three different high school football players died from injuries they sustained while on the football field.

Last Friday, a high school quarterback was taken to the hospital after being hit on a play. He died the next day from a ruptured spleen. That same day an Oklahoma community mourned another teen who died from head injuries suffered during a game on September 11th.

Springfield College takes immediate action whenever a player is hurt. According to Springfield College Athletic Trainer Barclay Dugger, “When a concussion is suspected, they are immediately pulled out of activity and run through battery tests on the sideline. So if there is any sign of a concussion, we have to pull them out of activity for that day.”

However, most high schools lack the resources available to college teams. Dugger trains his coaches to spot the warning signs. Loss of consciousness, headaches, light sensitivity and ringing in the ears are all reason to check an athlete for a concussion.

Ted Zuhusky of Granby told 22News he worries about his grandson playing high school football. He said, “Yeah, there’s got to be some truth to it, he’s young. My wife she’s really she’s especially concerned.”

Dugger added that the younger you are, the longer the effects from concussions can last.