With growing concerns of concussions and head injuries in high school athletics, Whitefish is making a concerted effort to address the problem. With a $10,000 donation from downtown Whitefish bar Casey’s, the Bulldogs have invested in nearly 50 new football helmets and high-end softball helmets to keep their athletes safe.

“The process started late last fall,” Whitefish activities director Aric Harris said. “We want to make sure our kids are well outfitted. We don’t want to lose a kid because of concussions, or injury of any kind. Safety is first in foremost with everything we do, whether it’s putting the right helmet on kids or teaching the proper technique.”

A panel of doctors from North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center along with Whitefish coaches and administrators found that Schutt brand helmets were shown to be best in preventing concussions.

With private donations and a huge assist from Casey’s, the school has purchased 48 new Schutt helmets for the football team along with top-end softball helmets to be used in the spring.

The school previously used a mix of helmets from Schutt and leading football helmet manufacturer Riddell.

“Riddell makes a great helmet,” Harris said. “A lot of the research shows Schutt was a premier helmet.”

The helmets will first be used for the homecoming game on Sept. 26 against Columbia Falls.

The donation from Casey’s was approved at the Sept. 9 school board meeting.