Eau Claire Memorial honors Alma Center's Adam Massman at game
Eau Claire Memorial football players honored Adam Massman, the 17-year-old Alma Center senior who died days after sustaining an injury during a Hornets game, before their Thursday night contest against Chippewa Falls. Players wore helmets marked with his jersey number 4, observed a moment of silence, and the Old Abe Football Club raised donations for his family.
The tribute on August 28 underscores how Wisconsin high school football communities rally across rival lines when tragedy strikes. Coverage of these moments often surfaces in our Streaming & TV Alerts hub when local broadcasts and memorial events draw wider attention.
Key Takeaways
- Adam Massman, 17, from Alma Center, died Saturday after being injured in a football game the prior Thursday.
- Eau Claire Memorial players honored him with helmet stickers, a pregame silence, and a fundraiser for his family.
- The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association asked all state high school games this weekend to hold a moment of silence.
- Massman played quarterback and defensive back for Alma Center Lincoln and wore jersey number 4.
Who was Adam Massman from Alma Center?
Adam Massman was entering his senior year at Alma Center Lincoln Junior-Senior High School in Jackson County, Wisconsin, according to WEAU. He played quarterback and defensive back for the Hornets and wore number 4.
Superintendent Drew Semingson told WKOW that Massman was active in the Lincoln community, participating in multiple sports, clubs, and activities. He made friends everywhere he went, Semingson said.
Massman was injured during a Thursday night game against Turtle Lake. EMTs at the stadium provided immediate care before he was taken to the hospital. The district learned of his death on Saturday afternoon.
How did Eau Claire Memorial honor Massman on Thursday night?
Although Massman played for rival Alma Center Lincoln, Eau Claire Memorial's Old Abes showed solidarity before their game against Chippewa Falls. Players took the field wearing helmets marked with the number 4, and a moment of silence was held before kickoff.
Running back and linebacker Chase Schultz told WEAU that football is like a family, not just a game. Showing support even for a player from another team is the right thing to do, he said, and it means a lot to the family.
Center Jack Modl echoed that sentiment, calling high school football a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He said seeing another team's loss was tragic and that the bond among players runs deeper than the sport itself.
The Old Abe Football Club collected donations during the game, with all proceeds going directly to the Massman family. Treasurer Robin Schultz said the goal was to recognize the impact Massman made in his community and to ensure he is not forgotten.
What is Wisconsin doing statewide to remember Massman?
The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association posted on social media that it requested a moment of silence before every high school football game played across the state during the weekend to honor Massman's memory, WEAU reported.
The Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District opened the high school building on Saturday for students and families, with counselors available on site. Additional counseling support was scheduled to continue through the district's jump-start days ahead of the September 1 school start.
Massman's death affects a wide circle in the district. Several family members work there, including his mother, an elementary school counselor, and relatives who serve as teachers and on the school board.