By Chris Bavender
The eighth annual Carmel High School boys soccer team’s Make Good Decisions game is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 13. The team will play Columbus North at Murray Stadium. The game honors teammate Brett Finbloom, who died in 2012 from alcohol poisoning during a party with a group of underage friends, and raises awareness of Indiana’s Lifeline Law.
The Lifeline Law provides amnesty from prosecution to anyone who calls or texts for help for someone in need of medical attention.
“His friends weren’t aware of the signs of alcohol poisoning and also were afraid of getting in trouble, which prevented them from getting Brett help in time,” said Sebastian Penix, a senior CHS soccer player who is organizing the event. “Had they known about the Lifeline Law and made the call, Brett may be alive today. In an effort to educate other teeanagers, not only our teammates and friends but all community members, the team hosted the first annual Make Good Decisions Pack the House night during the season following Brett’s death at a home varsity men’s soccer game to create awareness of the Indiana Lifeline Law.”
Penix said continuing to raise awareness of the Lifeline Law is important.
“The main thing that I want people to take away from the game is to be able to know what to do if they or a friend are ever in trouble,” he said. “The Lifeline Law was put in place to save lives, so it is very important for teens to understand how it works. If teens are able to fully understand the law, as well as the signs of someone being in danger, then hopefully, future tragedies can be prevented.”
Finbloom’s family has attended every previous game but are unable to this year because of a previous family commitment. State Sen. Jim Merritt, who authored the Lifeline Law, and Carmel Clay School Supt. Michael Beresford will speak at halftime. After their remarks, Penix will lead the Make Good Decisions pledge.
Tickets for the game are $5. Make Good Decisions T-shirts will be available for $10 at the game. Bracelets, foam soccer balls and string backpacks will be given away at the game. Donations can be made through Sept. 30 to the Brett Ryan Finbloom Memorial Scholarship by texting the word LIFELINE to 77948.
Proceeds from shirt sales and game-night donations also benefit the scholarship.
