Support pours in for Hanford High coach with life-threatening illness
A longtime Hanford track and field coach, known for his commitment to student athletes, has a long road of recovery after an unexpected illness.
Darren Crow came down with a cold in January that developed into a sinus infection and pneumonia in early February, according to a GoFundMe created by Tierra Christensen-Williams and shared by the Hanford Falcon Booster Club.
He suddenly needed to be flown to Haborview Medical Center from Richland on Feb. 10 with heart and kidney failure, liver damage and fluid around the lungs.
In recent days, Hanford High Principal Mike Johnson said in a Facebook post that Crow is doing better, though it wasn’t clear Tuesday if he’s still in the hospital.
“He has an extended recovery ahead,” Johnson and Athletic Director Gary Winston said in the post. “His family is very grateful for all the support and prayers!”
Crow returned to Hanford High School in 2002 as an assistant track coach after a record-setting run as long-distance runner in the 1980s, according to the GoFundMe.
He moved on to become the girls’ track coach in 2005 and then the boys’ coach in 2007. He took over as the head track coach in 2017 while working as a substitute teacher.
Crow has taken on coaching girls’ and boys’ basketball and added football coaching to his portfolio about 10 years ago. He’s been the varsity running back coach and the junior varsity offensive coordinator.
“Track and now football are his life!” the GoFundMe said. “You will find him in the weight room five days a week alongside Hanford’s committed athletes. ... He lives to be a successful mentor to (Hanford High School) athletes and students.”
News of Crow’s illness resonated with dozens of Hanford High School supporters. Many of them offered prayers for his quick recovery.
“This man was my coach in high school track and field,” one commenter said. “I wasn’t the best athlete, not even a little bit, but he still welcomed me in with open arms. I’ll always be grateful for him for that.”