TBT, county schools trying to raise funds for injured Wharton player

Posted Sep 28, 2009 by Bill Ward

Updated Sep 28, 2009 at 08:49 PM

Spearheaded by Tampa Bay Tech coach C.C. Culpepper, Hillasborough County football programs are trying to raise scholarship monies for injured Wharton standout Xavier Fisher.

Fisher, a junior, suffered a broken neck during the Wildcats’ 49-0 loss to Armwood on Friday. The injury has ended Fisher’s season and possibly his football career.

Culpepper said Monday his team will donate all of its pregame meal money for this week’s game—close to $300—to a fund being establish to help pay for Fisher’s college expenses. Culpepper added he is calling coaches throughout the county to see if they could do something similar in order to help Fisher.

“I know if it were one of my players, David Mitchell and Wharton would do the same for me,” Culpepper said. “This is something where we as coaches and players can get together and do something positive for someone who needs our help.”

Anyone interested in making a donation to the fund should contact Mitchell at Wharton by calling (813) 631-4710.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Fisher, who plays both receiver and defensive back, was hit in the back during the second half on a kick return but walked off the field on his own power. Once on the sidelines, Fisher said he felt soreness in his neck. After the game, he went to the hospital, where it was discovered his neck had been broken in two places.