Year-old tragedy has made Creek Wood player more appreciative

Creek Wood’s Stetson Spicer is one of the most feared linebackers on the Red Hawks roster, and it’s apparent when one watches the film on him. He’s currently one of the team’s leading tacklers this year.

Spicer, like everyone else though, is not immune from life’s ill-fated occurrences that can strike without warning.

That Sunday night in late September about a year ago, tragedy struck Spicer and his family.

“I remember lying in bed, and I woke up because I heard screaming. There was smoke coming out of the laundry room door. The room was full of smoke,” said Spicer.

Spicer’s house had caught fire on the outside of the house. The flame was too out of control for his family to do anything but call the fire department and 911. The family lost their house that night and nearly all of their possessions.

Anyone that's interested in helping fire victims Stetson Spicer & his family after they lost everything please contact me. Thanks.

—
Momma Reda (@lakeliferules) October 20, 2015

Everybody please pray for Stetson Spicer🙏🙏🙏

—
Fonzie (@StarLehto11) October 03, 2015

For the next couple of weeks, it was not easy for Spicer and his family. They were forced to borrow possessions from friends.

However, Creek Wood High School and the city of Charlotte rallied together to help out the family by raising money in a plethora of different ways, such as bake sales, a sweatpants day where students paid to wear sweatpants with the proceeds going to Spicer’s family, and a Jack-O-Lantern contest.

⚠️ Sweatpants Day ⚠️ When: This Friday Oct. 23rd! Cost: 3$ ALL PROCEEDS go to Stetson Spicer and his family!!

—
gabe cummings (@CummingsGabe) October 21, 2015

PSA🚨🚨 we're having a bake sale Saturday from 9-12 @ Gene's body shop & all proceeds will go to Stetson Spicer & his family! if you can help

—
jacey✨ (@jaceylee7) October 21, 2015

sweatpants funds go to Stetson Spicer's family...show support and purchase your band today!🔷

—
CW Student Gov. (@CW_Politics) October 21, 2015

“There was a bunch of people helping us move,” said Spicer.

Spicer has responded well since the fire occurred. In the spring, he was named a captain and the most consistent player by peers and coaches. He’s respected by his teammates, and the senior leader continues to carry himself high despite the past events.

“Stetson is, first and foremost, an unbelievable young man,” said Creek Wood coach Chuck Daniel.

“He and his family have proven to be very resilient. He’s very respectful of the teachers and coaches. He never gets in trouble in school, which is a credit to his parents. I’ve really enjoyed coaching him. He’s one of our leaders.“To overcome this tragedy, it’s certainly a credit to him and his family. They’re very resilient.”

Off the field, Spicer has learned to take nothing for granted.

“As far as me, it has made me a better person. It makes me appreciate what I have,” said Spicer.

Reach Andy Simmons on Twitter @AndyDHTN

Stetson Spicer