CLEVELAND, Ohio — Between supply chain issues and a shortage of manufacturing staff, many young athletes are currently being left without the equipment they need to play. But one Cleveland community is coming together to help students compete.
What You Need To Know
- Collinwood High School's football team had to cancel its first game because they didn’t have enough helmets
- The head coach cited a supply chain issue and manufacturing staff shortage for the delay in the return of reconditioned helmets
- Alumni and area businesses have since pledged to donate money to help the squad get the necessary equipment
- New football helmets can range in price from $300-$700
“Seeing them out there playing, reminiscing when I was out there playing, those were some good times,” said James Fisher, a Collinwood High School alumnus.
Fisher, who graduated in 1980, played cornerback for the school’s football team.
“I just love the game,” Fisher said.
In fact, Fisher said he has so much pride for his alma mater that when he found out the Railroaders didn’t have the necessary equipment to compete, he and other alumni stepped in to help.
He said he and other graduates, along with his company, Evergreen Cooperative Laundry, have pledged to donate thousands of dollars to support not just the football team but other programs at Collinwood High.
“We wanted to help when we found out about the problem with the equipment,” Fisher said.
Greg Wheeler, head coach of the school’s football team, told Spectrum News the squad had to cancel its first game because they didn’t have enough helmets.
He said helmets were sent out to be reconditioned and were not returned in time for the team’s first scheduled game.
“It’s been the perfect storm. It’s a supply chain issue and not enough manpower,” said Wheeler.
It’s a problem affecting not just Collinwood, but sports teams across the country.
Coach Wheeler said Tuesday his team did finally get back its reconditioned helmets, just in time to allow them to play in this Friday’s game.
Fisher said donations collected for the team will likely now go toward buying new helmets in the future.
“I think anything that any company wanted to do for the school, not just for athletics but for any program at the school, I think would be beneficial,” said Wheeler. “Helmets can go right now, especially with inflation, anywhere from $300-$700, depending on the make, model and brand. Just getting a few helmets in would make a significant dent to our athletic budget.”