Since Wednesday morning, the support the Greenwood Community and the School District has been shown is nothing short of incredible.
Social media posts from area schools sending their condolences and support have been coming in from all over the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas. On Friday, four local teams came to serve a pre-game meal that was provided by Sho Bo’s Kitchen. Norris Service and Construction alongside the VFW in Greenwood gathered the money to provide the meal for the team before their game against Fort Smith Southside. The teams that participated in the meal were Fort Smith Southside, Hackett, Lavaca, and Mansfield.
The four schools have ties to the Greenwood Bulldogs, Fort Smith Southside has a few former Mavericks on the Greenwood roster. Hackett, Lavaca, and Mansfield have players and a coach that were a part of the Greenwood Pittbulls and Bulldogs program at one time. Several of those being Mansfield running back Daniel Burton, Lavaca Wide Receiver Keaton Whisenhunt and Head Coach Nick Stovall, and Hackett Wide Receiver Nick Bass.
“It’s sign you know communities pull together when there’s a tragedy. We’re very appreciative of all the local communities.” Head Coach Chris Young said following the meal. “It’s just an indication that it is a lot bigger than game. We all care about each other and lending a hand through tough times right now.”
Fort Smith Southside Honored the families of the Wendy Medrano, Isaiah Arrington, and Vivian Medrano with several tributes before and during Friday nights game. The Spirit Squads for Greenwood and Southside released balloons to honor Vivian’s sixth birthday which was Friday. Both teams came together in the middle of the field for a moment of silence for those lost in the Wednesday morning fire. All proceeds from the Southside Southern Belles portion of the 50/50 raffle were donated to the families. Coincidentally, a Greenwood fan won the 50/50 and elected to donate their portion as well.
Across the state several teams held moments of silence before their games as well. The Rogers Mounties, who have players that played travel football with Isaiah Arrington, held a moment of silence. The Purple Dogs of Fayetteville carried out a “G” flag on their run out.
