A college lacrosse player could be force to sit out at least a part of the upcoming season because he can't find a helmet large his enough for his head.
Alex Chu, a would-be goalie for Wheaton College in Norton, approximately 40 miles south of Boston, is struggling to find headgear that fit his head.
Philadelphia-based NBC 10 reported Chu, who is a freshman at Wheaton, weighs 265 pounds, is six feet tall and has a head circumference of just above 25 inches.
During his high school days, Chu wore a custom-made helmet. While he was granted a waiver in order to utilize it, the helmet would not receive safety certification to be used in college.
"The only issue stopping me from playing is having a head that's too big," he was quoted as saying by NBC 10.
"Looking at me, I don't think anyone says, 'Wow, he has a big head.' Usually, it's like, 'That's a big guy in general.'"
Chu told CBS the largest helmet lacrosse available at Wheaton doesn't get past his ears.
"It kind of sits on my head," he said.
"If I really want to I could pull it down to my ears."
Alex Chu was recruited to play lacrosse at @wheaton, but he's spent this season on the sidelines. The problem? The college's helmets don't fit his head, and his specially-made high school helmet isn't certified by the NCAA. How he still hopes to play - at 11 on @wpri12. pic.twitter.com/3ewH7bNnp3
— Caroline Goggin (@CarolineGoggin) February 19, 2019
With the season set to begin on Wednesday, Chu faces a race against time to get a helmet that will both be big enough for his head and fit for purpose at college level.
"It's been a difficult process," the student explained.
"It's been frustrating. It's hard to see something I love feel like it's getting away from me. I really do love lacrosse and it means so much to me."
Wheaton men's lacrosse coach, Kyle Hart admitted everyone involved with the team felt "awful for Alex " and were working hard to solve the issue.
Wheaton and Chu have both spoken with some of the major helmets manufacturers in a bid to find a solution. On Monday, Boston-based WBZ reported Warrior, a company owned by sports apparel giant New Balance, would send Chu a new prototype of helmet which should fit him.
The model is not on the market yet but Warrior are reportedly happy to send the freshman an early edition.
"I'm just really excited," he told CBS.
"The hope is it's able to fit me."
Hart, echoed the sentiment.
"We would all be thrilled," he added.
"We're really looking forward to finding a solution here, and getting him out on the field."
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Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
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