Whitko is one of a handful of schools in Indiana to institute new helmet technology designed to limit head injuries. (File photo by Nick Goralczyk)

SOUTH WHITLEY – Parkview Whitley Hospital, in conjunction with Parkview Sports Medicine and Parkview Physicians Group, has invested in new helmet technology for the Whitko High School varsity football team’s 2017 season. The technology features built-in sensors in players’ helmets that measure both the severity and angle of impact sustained during play, alerting coaches when a player has experienced a major hit.

The InSite concussion monitoring technology, manufactured by Riddell, is comprised of five sensor pads embedded in the player’s helmets. The sensors are pre-programmed with individualized threshold levels for each player, depending on their position and experience level. If an impact exceeds the set threshold, an alert is sent to a coach’s hand-held alert monitor on the sidelines. Players are then assessed by a medical professional and sent through a concussion protocol before being released back to the field. At the end of each practice and game, data is downloaded into a team database, allowing the coaching and training staff to look at players’ on-field performance and habits and improve hitting and blocking techniques, if necessary.

“This technology gives our medical professionals a way to gather impact data from pre-season practices through post-season play,” said Scott Gabriel, president, Parkview Whitley Hospital. “The Whitko football program already stresses the importance of proper hitting techniques and follows a well-established protocol if a concussion is suspected. This technology provides another set of eyes on the players with the goal of increasing the safety of the game.”

While Insite helmet technology has been implemented in several other Indiana high schools, including Huntington North and Brebeuf in Indianapolis, Whitko is the first to have the technology in this part of the state.

“We feel fortunate to offer our athletes this advanced technology, and appreciate Parkview’s willingness to invest in our sports programs with the goal of increasing safety,” said Jeff Sprunger, head football coach, Whitko High School. Sprunger, who spent his undergraduate years as an equipment manager for Indiana University’s football program, wants to pass his love of the game onto players while improving their skill and safety. “There is a lot to be gained from the game of football, and it’s imperative that we do everything we can to keep players safe.”