EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — East Grand Rapids basketball is a family affair. Head Coach Derrick Owens Sr. has both of his sons on staff with him. One of his sons, Derrick Owens Jr. suffered a brain aneurysm in January and has been recovering at Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids.
On Sunday, Feb. 13th, the EGR basketall team hosted a babysitting fundraiser at the school to raise money for Coach Owens' and his family. Team members from the boys and girls basketball program invited young players to the gym, around 25 kids attended.
"My co-workers at my school have been super supportive when I had to take that week off. And yeah, everyone's just been outpouring of love." Said Sarah Owens. "And that is one thing that has made it a lot easier."
Coach Owens' Sr. says the outpouring of love from East Grand Rapids and the West Michigan community has meant a lot to his family and they look forward to having Owens' Jr. back on the bench soon.
"You know, I have another brother who causes JUCO basketball Missouri and they got guys out there praying for me reaching out to me and it the support has been nothing sure but amazing." Ownes said. "Miraculous it is not enough words to describe the support I've received."
