Sometimes, it’s just about doing the right thing.
The Park City High School athletics department is extending out a helping hand to its main rival, Wasatch High School, after a Wasps’ wrestler sustained a serious neck injury in a wrestling practice on Jan 4.
Dale Lawrence was wrestling with a teammate when he attempted to escape a basic wrestling hold. His neck twisted awkwardly and a vertebra snapped.
According to recent reports, there’s a strong possibility Lawrence could be paralyzed for the rest of his life.
“Wrestling is a camaraderie sport,” said Park City High School athletic director Doug Payne. “And this is one of our best rivalries. It’s a very heated, very friendly rivalry a friendship rivalry. It’s always back and forth. We wanted to let them know we can help.”
Park City has raised proceeds through the Miners’ wrestling program and donated the proceeds to the Lawrence family.
“As a team, we’re totally behind that,” said Park City High School head wrestling coach Brenan Cole.
The donations were presented to the Lawrence family last night at the Park City-Wasatch boys’ basketball game in Heber City.
“That kind of injury is a freak accident,” Cole said. “Our prayers go out to that kid and his family.”
Payne said that Wasatch has been instrumental in helping the Park City wrestling program and has offered numerous invites to practices and camps.
“When one of your own gets hurt, it hits closer to home,” Payne said. “We just wanted to help out wherever we can.”