A Tipton, Mo., family is sharing the story of the death of their son with a national audience in hopes of showing the dangers of football and possibly making it safer.
Chad Stover died in October 2013 after suffering a traumatic brain injury while playing for the Tipton Cardinals in a high school playoff game in Sedalia. Information from medical personnel indicated he had brain damage because of a long period without oxygen.
His story and the story of his family following his death are now being featured in Time magazine with an article in its issue dated Sept. 29.
"Football has always been a big part of our lives," said Amy Stover, Chad's mom. "My boys have always loved the game of football and have played it since they were little. Zane my oldest and Chad both attended the Tony Gonzales football camp in Kansas City for two years. Those are very special memories."
Stover said their family is not in any way, shape or form against football.
"We do watch the game in a different way," she said. "I jump and cringe with every hard hit, hoping and praying the player is OK. In the past, I just felt it was part of the game."
Stover said she and her family shared Chad's story to bring about conversation to make the sport they love safer.
"We wanted to make sure at games, especially state playoff games governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA), that ambulances and athletic trainers are on site."
Chad was not so lucky.
All games are dangerous-post season especially, she said.
"The boys are giving everything they have. It is truly a 'sudden death' type of situation. Win, or your season is over.
"Safety is a big concern right now with the sport," she said. "Boys are bigger, stronger and faster than ever before. Technology is working hard to compensate for that. You see everything from better helmets and pads to sensors that can be placed in helmets to detect a hard hit. We urge and encourage those advances to continue and for teams to make the newest advances a priority."
Since Chad's death, Stover said she has noticed how coaches at Tipton have been affected by the tragedy.
"I am in a unique position because I work at the school, and I feel lucky to call many of the coaches my friends," she said. "They have always taken utmost care of our students. Our pads and helmets are regularly inspected. When we have home games, we have an ambulance and athletic trainer on hand. If the ambulance leaves for a call, we take a time out until another one arrives.
"I know our coaches have had a hard time dealing with Chad's death. They truly care about all of the boys and take good care of them."
Stover said it is up to each individual family to decide if it's worth it to have their children playing football.
"Football has many wonderful qualities," she said. "There is nothing like sitting in the bleachers on a crisp October night. Hearing the band play and watching your son run out on the field proudly representing his school, his town and his community.
"Boys build a brotherhood and develop skills like dedication and determination that will see them through a life time. If safety measures are taken and medical personnel are on hand to take care of the players, then yes to some of it, it is worth it."
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