The Murray County Central Football Program has received a boost in player safety thanks to the Murray County Medical Center (MCMC) Foundation, which recently donated 75 Guardian Caps to the Rebels. The donation includes 50 caps for high school players in grades 9–12 and 25 caps for junior high players in grades 7–8.
Guardian Caps are padded soft-shell covers that fit over football helmets to reduce impact forces and limit repetitive head contact. Research has shown that when two players wearing Guardian Caps collide, the impact force can be reduced by up to 33 percent. Already in use by many NFL and NCAA programs, Guardian Caps are becoming more common in high school football as an added layer of protection.
MCC players will continue to wear the Guardian Caps during practices, and families will have the option for their athletes to use them in varsity games.
Head Coach Patrick Freeman said the donation adds meaningful value to the program’s commitment to safety.
“Concussions are something we take very seriously,” Freeman said. “We do our best to provide quality equipment, teach proper tackling and blocking techniques, and structure practices to limit contact. The Guardian Caps are a great addition to our program, and we are grateful to the MCMC Foundation for supporting our student-athletes.”
The MCMC Foundation’s mission is to improve the healthcare of Murray County residents by promoting wellness, providing community education, and supporting equipment purchases and capital improvements. Its largest annual fundraiser is the MCMC Golf Tournament, which helps fund initiatives that enhance both hospital services and community wellness.
This gift demonstrates the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing patient care while also investing in the safety and wellness of Murray County youth.