The Alma Center community is continuing to mourn the heartbreaking l#ss of 17-year-old Adam Mᴀssman, a high school senior and multi-sport athlete whose life was tragically cut short following an injury sustained during a football game.

Adam was injured during Alma Center Lincoln’s Week 1 game on Aug. 20. Later reports identified the incident as a helmet-to-helmet collision. He received medical care from emergency personnel at the game before being transported to a hospital, where he later d#ed from his injuries.

A YOUNG ATHLETE WITH A BIG FUTURE

Adam was known throughout Lincoln High School not only for football, but for his involvement in several sports and school activities.

He played quarterback and defensive back for the Hornets and also competed in basketball and baseball. During the 2025 football season, he recorded 858 pᴀssing yards and 10 pᴀssing touchdowns, along with 280 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

His achievements extended beyond the football field. Adam was also named to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches ᴀssociation’s 2025 Boys Basketball Academic All-State list.

Friends and family remembered him as a fierce compeтιтor who followed his pᴀssions and convictions. A family friend described Adam as someone whose presence touched many people throughout the community.

“LONG LIVE ADAM”

After the tragic l#ss, Adam’s teammates created a deeply personal tribute at Lincoln High School.

His parking space was painted in his honor, featuring the initials “LLA,” meaning “Long Live Adam.” The tribute also included images connected to his family’s cattle business and tire tracks representing Adam’s own truck.

The simple memorial became a powerful reminder of the teenager his teammates knew and loved.

A COMMUNITY THAT STOOD TOGETHER

The l#ss was felt far beyond Adam’s immediate family.

Lincoln High School opened its doors to students, parents and friends after the news of his d#ath, while counselors were made available to help students and staff process their grief.

Other Wisconsin football communities also honored Adam. Players at Eau Claire Memorial wore the number 4, Adam’s jersey number, on their helmets and held a moment of silence before their game.

In another show of support, the annual “Battle for the Can” rivalry between Colby and Abbotsford was dedicated to the Mᴀssman family. The two communities raised more than $6,000 during the game, with nearly $6,500 ultimately being sent to Adam’s family.

THE HORNETS RETURN TO THE FIELD

For several weeks, the future of Alma Center Lincoln’s football season remained uncertain following Adam’s d#ath.

The team eventually returned to compeтιтion on Sept. 18, marking its first game since the tragedy. The district has also announced plans to recognize its senior players and honor Adam during the team’s Sept. 25 home game.

For his teammates, returning to the field is not simply about football. It is also a way of continuing forward while carrying the memory of someone who meant so much to their school and community.

A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON

Adam Mᴀssman’s story is now remembered through the people who knew him, the sports he loved and the community that continues to stand beside his family.

His accomplishments as an athlete tell only part of his story. He was also a son, brother, friend, classmate and teammate whose absence has left a lasting impact on those around him.

As his teammates wrote in tribute, the message remains simple:

LLA — Long Live Adam. 💙

Source: WEAU — Adam Mᴀssman story | WSAW — Community tribute and football return | WPR — Wisconsin community remembers Adam