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ESPN Feature: Carry On

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August 14, 2009

ESPN Feature: Ohio High School Teammates Carry On

Lincoln-West High School wrestlers capture nation's attention

COLUMBUS, Ohio – One has no legs. The other is legally blind. Together, they forged an unbreakable friendship and willed their way to success on the wrestling mat that would make any school proud.

 

Leroy Sutton and Dartanyon Crockett, both seniors last year at Lincoln-West High School in Cleveland, captured the awe and respect of the nation recently when ESPN produced a 10-minute feature on the pair for SportsCenter, Outside the Lines and ESPN.com.

 

Click here for the video and story at ESPN.com: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=4371874

UPDATE:

The OHSAA reached Lisa Fenn, who produced the feature alongside reporter Tom Rinaldi, for permission to post the story at OHSAA.org. Fenn provided the following update about Leroy and Dartanyon:

"I have been producing features at ESPN for 12 years, and never have I encountered individuals as resilient and remarkable as Dartanyon and Leroy. It is an honor to introduce them to the world.

Many have asked about their future plans, so I am sending out this update. Dartanyon is enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland and is scheduled to begin in September. His goal is to transfer to a four-year university as soon as he can afford it and then pursue law school. He had near-perfect attendance, competed in multiple sports and sings in his church choir. He has qualified for some financial aid but not all.

Leroy has been accepted to Collins College, in Tempe, Ariz. and wants to go. He is a gifted artist, and Collins is a private graphic design school. Leroy aspires to become a video game designer. He will also receive some financial aid, but it will not be enough to cover his total tuition, living expenses, travel and physical therapy. Going away for college would be an empowering experience for him.

Some exciting things have happened since the story aired. I have received nearly 300 emails from viewers that week. Many are asking how to contribute to a college fund. I realize you did not ask that question, and this is absolutely no solicitation to give. But I will provide you with the information in case others ask you through your site or the spirit moves you.

In response to the public's interest, a trust fund has been established. The fund is called Carry On For Education Trust. Donations to the trust will be used solely for Dartanyon and Leroy's tuition, fees, books, travel, laptops, adaptive equipment and living expenses. The executors of the trust have agreed to operate it pro bono and will closely assess the boys' needs in the coming years. Should donations above what is needed be received, the money will be reserved for such things as their advanced education, career development and medical needs. More details can be found on the trust's website: www.carryontrust.org. The website will eventually provide updates of Leroy and Dartanyon's adventures and endeavors as they come. Contributions can be made on the website or sent to:

 

Carry On For Education Trust

Benefitting Leroy and Dartanyon

c/o 627 West St. Clair

Cleveland, OH 44113

Please Note: Carry On For Education is not a designated 501C-3 charity. It has been set up to benefit two individuals. While donations will be followed with receipts, a tax deduction may not be generated from your contribution.

Your kind words will be shared with Leroy and Dartanyon. I can tell you that they are in awe of the supportive responses people have posted on espn.com. Do share their story with those you know, that they may continue to impact lives in their beautiful and unique way. "Carry On" continues to air on espn.com, keyword "Carry On." 

Thank you for caring.

Lisa Fenn
ESPN Features Producer

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