School rallies for wrestlers

Berthoud confronts tragedy of pair who lost legs in car crash

Felix Doligosa Jr., Rocky Mountain News

Published January 18, 2007 at midnight

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BERTHOUD - Tyler Carron was always looking for a way to put a wrestling opponent in a trap.

And when it looked like the 17-year-old Berthoud High School senior was about to be trapped, he'd know how to get out of it.

"It's the same approach he will take with this tragedy," said Mike Shearer, Berthoud's assistant wrestling coach. "He never quits."

Carron and fellow wrestler, Nikko Landeros, 17, lost their legs this week after a sport utility vehicle driven by another student hit them Monday as they were getting ready to change a flat tire a few blocks southwest of the high school.

"It was just an accident," Shearer said. "Unfortunately, it happened to our students. She (the SUV driver) is another victim here."

Friends of Landeros and Carron are confident the two will bounce back, that they'll apply the lessons they learned on the mat and the football field to their recovery.

They'll certainly have the backing of the Berthoud High community. As students returned to class Wednesday from winter break, a tribute to Carron and Landeros, which featured their pictures, went up in a corner near the front of the building.

A prayer on one poster read: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference."

"We're hoping and praying for them," said Athletic Director Fred Dreier. "There are still tears out there in the hallways."

The two friends had left a dance at the school Monday night and were taking several girls to their homes in Longmont, according to classmates.

Carron's Isuzu Trooper got a flat on top of a hill on Larimer County Road 17.

As Landeros and Carron were taking a spare off the back, a Toyota Land Cruiser slammed into them, pinning them between the two SUVs, the Colorado State Patrol said.

Carron lost both legs the night of the accident, and Landeros had his second leg amputated Tuesday, according to school officials.

Carron was listed in serious condition and Landeros was in critical condition Wednesday afternoon at Denver Health Medical Center.

The 17-year-old female driver of the Land Cruiser was not injured. The state patrol did not release the her name pending completion of their investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected.

Carron ranked No. 3 in the state at 135 pounds and was captain of the wrestling team. He also played defensive back for the high school football team.

In the off-season, he worked out almost every day, and was looking into wrestling in college, his coach said.

"He made sure the wrestlers were always practicing," Shearer said. "He has the determination and willingness to work hard."

Landeros joined the wrestling team last year, competing in the 189-pound weight category. He, too, played on the football team.

"This accident is going to hurt him at first," said one of his best friends, Andrew Martin, 16. "He is not one to just sit around the house. Nikko is the guy that runs and throws the football around with the 10-year-old kids."

Friends said Landeros was always smiling.

"After a while, he'll go back to smiling," Martin said. "I can't wait to see him smile."

Added Shearer, "They are well-equipped as anyone to deal with this. I will not be surprised to see them compete in athletic endeavors again. They are athletes."

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