Deer Creek Public Schools Host Lap-A-Thon To Raise Money For Student

Deer Creek Public Schools is hosting a lap-a-thon to raise money for a high school senior involved in a motorcycle accident a couple of weeks before the start of the school year.

With every step, members of the Deer Creek Cross Country team along with teams from surrounding schools said they will be thinking of their friend Jerrod Haddock.

“It wasn't even a thought about waking up early it was just kind of understood that we were going to come out and support him,” Daniel Collins said.

“I was on the team with him for two years. During the season we all get super close together you're with your teammates 10 hours a week.”

“He like, brings the mood up. If you have a bad race he'll come over and talk you up,” Spencer Carlson said.

This season, the Deer Creek XC team won't be sharing the track with Jerrod. He's recovering from a motorcycle crash where he broke both his legs and suffered a stroke. His dad, Steve Haddock said his son is slowly but surely coming around.

“Mentally he has come a long way. He has his personality, his sense of humor. He is flirting with girls back. He ate his first meal yesterday where he had to put every bite in his mouth himself,” Haddock said.

Coach David Riden said he can't help but feel a piece of the team is missing. To fill that emptiness, they're spreading awareness about Jerrod's accident.

“We were like what if we just had an event where we brought everyone together every one of all levels can come and just celebrate Jerrod and celebrate his family,” Coach Riden said.

Until Jerrod finds his stride again, his team said each lap is for him.

Jerrod still has a long road to recovery. If you would like to help his family with expenses you can donate via Venmo @Steve-Haddock-5