By Angie Ledbetter

On behalf of Schutt Manufacturing representative, Michael Grove, was on hand at South Panola High School Wednesday to present the school new helmets and shoulder pads for the football team in honor of Tony Conner for being ranked in the top 100 players in the nation.

“We try to select the top players in the country and identify them not just by position but by their overall ability,” said Grove. “We have what is a top 100 player list and Conner made that list. We want those guys in our gear because we feel it’s the best out there. Each player will receive a helmet and shoulder pad. “

According to Grove, the helmet retails at $350.

Asa Tucker and Tucker Manufacturing will do the South Panola Tigers’ colors on the helmets.

“I’m real happy about the player,” said Tucker. “I think it’s a great honor for Conner to be selected. I think the helmet is a very good helmet no doubt about that. I think everybody is looking for that magic helmet that’s concussion proof but I don’t know that we will ever have the technology or understand concussions 100 percent. The helmets are really designed to prevent a really hard blow to the head that would cause trauma and death and they do that. All these companies are improving the helmets.  When I first started in the business to now it’s no comparison.”

Schutt’s helmets are American made.

“They started making face masks in the early sixties and started with helmets in the early eighties,” Grove said. “The ION helmet is top of the line and it’s what we think is the best one in the market.”

The “slick and aggressive” helmet includes the Schutt energy wedge faceguard that’s integrated right into the shell. It’s also known for its thermoplastic urethane cushioning that was introduced by Schutt in 2003 with the advent of the DNA Pro. It’s in its third generation and proven superior to traditional foam like padding in game like conditions, better impact adsorption, better heat management and better hygienics.
As far as head concussions Grove said no one’s helmet is concussion proof.

“There are several factors that go into that and one is that it properly fits and we provide what we think is the best protection inside the helmet,” Grove said. “Foam was used in the past and it’s great when it’s 72 degrees but when it’s extremely hot or cold it didn’t perform as well. Inside that helmet in August it’s probably 115 or 120 degrees.

“When you go to Jackson like you did and it was snowing then it’s extremely cold,” he continued. “So Schutt came up with the TPU which is the thermoplastic that’s not affected by temperature ranges. So when its 100 degrees during two a days it’s going to protect better than anything else and when it’s 10 degrees it’s going to protect better.”

Schutts is well represented in the NFL with players like Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning.

On the college level Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Southern Miss and LSU wear them.

“We are dominant on the college level, but they’re 100 percent by no means,” Grove said.

The shoulder pad is the elite model for Schutts and retails for approximately $275.

The patented Brock beaded quilt not only evaporates sweat faster it focuses air circulation pushing the cool air in closer to your body while the hot air is pushed out. Each model has 7mm vent holes that keep the air flowing around the body.

“Schutt took the same TPU that’s used inside the helmet and we put it through out the heating area in the shoulder pad,” Grove said. “It’s there to absorb that blow a little to diffuse that energy down the arches to keep it hopefully off his body.”

Conner said this was a great deal.

“I’m glad I made the 100 top list and was surprised. I’m also glad to get the helmets and shoulder pads for the team. I think it’ll help us so much.”

Tiger football head coach Lance Pogue said it was a tremendous honor for the football program.

“It’s a tremendous honor first for Conner for making the top 100 United States team,” Pogue said. “Then you’re talking about one of the most well known football equipment companies out there with Schutt and Riddell. Schutt donated top of the line equipment to the school for him making that team. Those things last for a very long time and others will be wearing them when Conner leaves too. I’m proud of the program also because it’s out there on the national level and people recognize it and this is kind of a team honor. I know he’s proud of it individually but also know he’d be the one to say it’s a team and a school honor as well.”

In the bad economy with school budgets down, this is a boost for the program.

“It’s monumental,” he said. “The price of equipment in today’s time is unbelievable and economic times are hard as well. This is something we’ll be proud of for a long time.”