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KAMAS — The South Summit High School football team is struggling to go on after one of its players was paralyzed by a game injury.
Junior linebacker and running back Porter Hancock was blocking a tackle Friday night when his head hit another player's shoulder, dislocating his neck.
As the South Summit Wildcats prepared for practice Monday, Head Coach Jerry Parker did his best to motivate his team during their toughest time.
"How about we practice Porter-style today?" Parker said. "You guys know how hard he practices. I'd like to see it from each and every one of you."
The Wildcats were playing against Emery High School when the injury occurred. Porter was transported to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery to repair the dislocated neck. He is now paralyzed from the chest down.
"I've been in coaching over 26 years and I've never experienced anything like this," said Jerry Parker, head coach of the South Summit High School football team.
Fellow players and friends have been visiting Porter all weekend. Many are finding it tough to push forward.
"We didn't really lose a team member. We're losing family," said teammate Hayden Packard. "It's just been really tough on all of us."
"If you know porter, he's the kind of kid who never gave up, always worked hard," said teammate Jay Reidhead.
Now friends and family are hoping Porter will remain determined as he fights to get use of his legs back.
"Football was his life," Parker said. "He exemplifies our program to the T."
Classmates have given Porter an outpouring of support on Facebook by creating a page in his honor. Many of them have also changed their profile pictures to a message: "Porter Hancock, we love and miss you."
"We've always tried to play together as a team and for each other," Reidhead said. "But now we're not only playing for each other, but mainly for him." Porter's family and friends say, really, anything can happen with Porter. It is still possible that he could eventually regain use of his legs.
People throughout the community are also trying to raise money to pay for medical bills for the family. An account* in Porter Hancock's name has been set up at Zions Bank.
Email: manderson@ksl.com
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*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
