Ex-South Elgin HS football player sues IHSA to protect student athletes from concussions

SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) -- A former South Elgin High School football player is taking action to protect student athletes from concussions.

Alex Pierscionek is at the center of the first concussion lawsuit of its kind in the county. He's suing the Illinois High School Association.

A pair of concussions ended Pierscionek's future football career when he was in high school. He wants schools to have safeguards to protect young athletes.

"I just suffered from depression. I developed anger issues, anxieties. I still get headaches," Pierscionek said.

"If our case is successful, the effect of that is that there are concussion policies in place throughout Illinois that are incredibly more thoughtful and comprehensive than the ones that exists now. That will preserve the sport - preserve the sport for the next generation," Pierscionek's attorney said.

IHSA disagrees. The association said the lawsuit could force many schools to scrap their football programs.

In its court filing, IHSA said it has taken steps to protect student athletes.