Carson Otter. Photo: Facebook.
Students, faculty and members of the Oxford and Ole Miss community are invited to participate in the Otter 5k Charity Run Feb. 26 benefiting senior Carson Otter from Bloomington, Ind.
On Sept. 14, 2013, Otter was knocked unconscious while in Austin for the Ole Miss-Texas football game. After undergoing immediate brain surgery, Otter spent more than two weeks in the hospital recovering and going through intensive rehabilitation, including speech therapy and cognitive training. After taking off the remainder of the fall semester to recuperate, Otter is attending classes this spring semester.
“We decided that a 5k run on campus is a great way to have an unlimited amount of people come together to support Carson,” said Bailey Braswell, co-organizer of the event and Otter’s Sigma Nu fraternity brother. “Carson’s friends and myself are thankful he made such a great recovery, and we are happy to have him back on campus with us.”
Those participating in the race must purchase a $20 wristband. Wristbands, as well as $15 T-shirts, can be purchased in front of the UM Student Union on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wristbands and T-shirts will also be available for purchase at 2:30 p.m. before the race.
The 5k race starts at 3:30 p.m. in front of the Lyceum. The course is spread throughout the Ole Miss campus and ends at the Lyceum.
“I’m thrilled that the Sigma Nus are putting this together,” Ole Miss Dean of Students Sparky Reardon said. “I think it shows the spirit of Ole Miss and what students on this campus are willing to do for one another.”
All proceeds from the race will benefit Otter’s family in helping offset the expenses incurred. Those who finish first in the race will be awarded prizes such as a 50-inch flat-screen TV or an iPad.
Braswell said he believes the 5k run has the potential to show how close the Ole Miss family really is.
“There has been a tremendous backing for this cause, often by people who do not even know Carson,” he said. “It says a lot when so many people can give up their time and come support a fellow Ole Miss Rebel.”
— Caty Cambron
thedmnews@gmail.com
