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Derek Melton, from the time of a little boy
playing mini tee-ball in Trenton to
being a star at the
University
of Evansville,
has been a fighter and intense competitor. Now Derek, a 2005
Edgewood
graduate, is fighting his toughest battle. Sunday, August 3, Derek
was seriously injured in a diving accident at
Pettibone
Beach in La Crosse,
Wisconsin. A standout football, basketball and
baseball player while at Edgewood, Derek gave our
Edgewood community many moments of excitement and
thrills. Now it is our turn to give back, to give Derek a helping
hand as he begins the long process of recovering from his accident.
Earnie and Teresa Melton raised
Derek and older sister Lindsey in
Trenton
throughout their school career. Derek grew up playing youth
football, basketball and baseball in Trenton
and then at Edgewood
High School where again he
excelled in all sports he played. He was an integral member of
Edgewood’s 2003 state finalist football team.
His love of baseball led him to
accept a scholarship to Wabash
Valley College
in Mount Carmel,
Illinois
After two years, Derek transferred to the
University
of Evansville,
once again on a baseball scholarship, where he earned
honorable-mention all-Missouri Valley Conference honors. This summer
he was playing in the Northwoods League for the La Cross Loggers,
where he became the only Logger to be named the Player of the Week
two times this season and was named the 2008 Loggers/CenturyTel team
MVP. Derek, selected as one of five Loggers All Stars, spoke of
playing in the All Star game in
Madison
and for the Loggers in general. Of his All Star experience, Derek
said, “I’ve never seen so many pro scouts in one place. It’s a great
opportunity. It only takes the right scout on the right day, and it
can change your life.”
“It can change your life.” Derek’s
life has, indeed, been changed. In one fateful moment, Derek knows
dreams and plans can be changed. But Derek also knows that your life
can be changed by battling, striving, and persevering. He is in a
battle now and YOU can help—with your prayers and financial support.
Together, we can help Derek change his life.
So, let’s do it—Do It For Derek!
With beautiful skies and warm temperatures, golfers were able to enjoy a day of friendship and "fun"raising for the Do It For Derek Fund. With a surprise appearance by Derek and his family, Derek was able to visit with everyone on the course. After golf, everyone was invited under the tent for a great dinner and raffle. Over 150 people were in attendance to support the Melton Family. Senator Dan Kapanke from Wisconsin flew in for the event. Senator Kapanke took time out of his busy campaign schedule to visit Ohio and play in the benefit. He and his family own the Wisconsin LaCrosse Loggers team that Derek played on this summer and have been a wonderful support to Derek and his family. Coach Brian Caudill, Edgewood High School Varsity Head Coach, did an outstanding job of organizing the 1st Annual Do It For Derek Golf Scramble at Walden Pond Golf Course.
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