On Sept. 8, I was at the footbal game between Herricks and Elmont at Herricks high school. But I do not share the same feelings as Mrs. Bileschi who also attended the game.
I am a volunteer coach for Herricks, specifically working with the quarterbacks. I graduated last year and was the quarterback for the Herricks Varsity football team and am now playing lacrosse in college.
As an athlete playing both football and lacrosse I have also had my share of injuries. Most importantly a concussion my sophmore year while playing lacrosse. I was a three-year varsity starter for the football team and, as you can expect, have had my share of hard hits.
First I would like to say that some hits are not as bad as they seem. In addition the trainers and doctors have always been at our games. On Sept. 8 the doctor was there and did inspect our quarterback who is a senior. I also, who as i said previously did suffer a concussion, talked with the doctor and our quarterback who is an absolute warrior.
He did not suffer a concussion. The vomiting was in response to getting hit in the abdominal region on the same play. If there was any thought that our quarterback had a concussion or any other serious injury, we never would have allowed him to go back into the game.
We as coaches, players, parents and fans are fully aware of the long lasting affects of concussions and their symptoms. In response to Mrs. Bileschi’s questions: Yes our quarterback was fully evaluated after the hit on the sideline not only by the trainer but also the coaches. He was allowed to continue to play because there were no concussion symptoms and he felt fine and he proved that to us.
The assement process was completed by the trainer includes a series of tests. In regard to safeguarding the quarterback, you are playing football, its a hard-hitting high emotional game and whenever you step on the field you are taking a chance with your health which is the same in any sport.
The Herricks community takes care of its players and we keep our players and children safe, and make the tough calls when necessary.
Thomas Graef
New Hyde Park
