River Valley football enjoying special season

Strong bond between assistant coach and seniors

Published On: Oct 24 2012 05:10:52 PM CDT   Updated On: Oct 24 2012 09:36:23 PM CDT
SPRING GREEN, WI -

The River Valley High School football team is preparing for its Level 2 WIAA playoff game Friday night.

The Blackhawks have lost only one game this season and will host Nekoosa Friday at 7 p.m. in Spring Green.

The senior class has a special bond with assistant coach Mike Crook.

Crook has been in a wheelchair since a construction accident in 1986 and is paralyzed from the waist down.

He's been an assistant football coach at River Valley since 1995 and said his goal is to be a teacher on and off the field.

Crook said coaching gives him a reason to get out of the house every day and the players keep him young.

"Everyone always says you don't look 53," Crook said. "And I say, that's because of you guys." 

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