When the Westminster Wolves football team took the field Friday night for the first game of the season against South High School, they had a new coach on the sideline and safer helmets on their heads. 

Many of the players wore  Riddell Axiom Smart Helmets donated by the Denver Broncos Foundation. The helmets are designed to minimize potential head injuries during a time when there is growing concern about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma. The state-of-the-art helmets cost $900 apiece, but the Foundation distributed 15,000 of them at no cost to every high school tackle football program in the state.  

The helmets’ impact-sensing technology shares data that coach Helbig and his staff can use to analyze where each player is hitting an opponent. 

For example, if the data shows a player is using the crown of their head too much while they are tackling, they can help that player change their techniques to make it safer.

To learn more about Coach Chris Helbig, whose success began with a standout high school career at Holy Family High School and led to a professional football career in Europe, watch the video included in our “What’s Up WPS” profile from earlier this month. 

In addition, Coach Helbig recently sat down with the Westminster Window to talk about the helmets and why he believes they will make the sport safer for young athletes.

The Wolves lost the seasoner opener to South 34 to 10 but hope to bounce back Friday, September 5th against Thornton.

Photo Courtesy of the Westminster Window.