Team Hunter Ready to Roll

In the cool, early mornings, coworkers Jeff Wittrock and Bethany Piotrowski hit the streets of Kingfisher training for future marathons and half-marathons.

A recent addition to the pair’s routine has brought about a little different running style and pace.

As Jeff and his wife, Heather, were searching for a way to include their son, Hunter, who has cerebral palsy, in an upcoming 5k race family and friends will be running, the couple reached out to the community for help.

That led to a special connection with Beth James and her daughter, Liza, of Woodward, also known as “Team Liza.”

After suffering a traumatic brain injury as a child, Liza is permanently nonverbal and unable to walk. Yet, the pair compete in triathlons all over the United States using specialized adaptive equipment, which allows Beth to pull Liza through running, swimming and biking events, enabling her daughter to experience things otherwise impossible.

Knowing what it’s like to have to sit on the sidelines or stay home altogether while his family and friends experience activities he has to miss out on due to his disability, Hunter said, “I just want to be involved.”

After making contact with James about purchasing an adaptive jogger that Liza had outgrown, Hunter and his parents excitedly set out to meet with them.

“The moment we sat Hunter in the bike, his happiness was unmeasurable,” Jeff said.

“Beth and her family decided you can’t put a price on happiness and blessed Hunter with his very first adaptive jogger.”

On his first time in the jogger, Hunter said he was a little nervous and wasn’t sure of what to expect, but he was excited.

“It was a little different and you could feel every bump, but very nice,” he said.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Little Red Heart 5k in Oklahoma City, Team Hunter will be running in honor of Austin Armstrong who was an organ recipient, but unfortunately passed away recently.

“We agreed that we don’t want this to be a one-time race and Hunter wants to keep doing this,” Jeff said.

In preparation for the race, Jeff and Bethany have been putting in the miles while learning and adjusting to a different way of running.

Learning to push the adaptive chair while running requires using different muscles, so it takes some training, Jeff said.

“It’s easier than a wheelchair because it’s designed to go the distance, but you’re still pushing 100 pounds in a race…and we want to race,” he said.

On the day of the race, Piotrowski will be the primary runner propelling Hunter to the finish line, while other team members will run nearby to help maneuver the path if necessary.

“Often times individuals with disabilities are overlooked, picked last on the playground or left out altogether,” Piotrowski said, “and Hunter has experienced those moments many times in his life.”

“But while Hunter’s body may restrict him, he never lets that hold him back.”

Shunning any notoriety and applause he’s bound to receive, Hunter said, “For me, it’s not about being the center of attention, but helping get more support and help (for worthy causes).”

Bringing recognition to challenged athletes with disabilities and awareness of the importance of organ donation are only a portion of the causes Hunter is passionate about. For the past 11 years, he’s participated in Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding in Yukon. The equine therapeutic riding program has become an integral part of Hunter’s life and Piotrowski now serves as his side and lead walker.

Singing the praises of another organization that is dear to his heart, Hunter said some of the most impactful times in his life have been spent at Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp each summer.

“It’s more like family and friends, loving and accepting each other no matter what,” Hunter said.

Now 22 years old and having outgrown the camper status, Hunter returns every year as a volunteer where he helps pack backpacks for all the campers as well as with crafts and scheduling.

He also assists in planning the themes and was responsible for determining the camp theme for the upcoming summer session.

On top of all that, Hunter said he hopes to organize a 5k with the proceeds benefi ting the camp.

Hunter wants people to know that he and other people with disabilities are the same as everyone else, with dreams and aspirations and determination to overcome the obstacles before them, he said.

Some of Hunter’s favorite things are chicken fried steak, the color blue, watching Women’s College World Series and helping people.

Probably one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet, Hunter loves to share encouraging words and Bible scriptures on Facebook.

Reflecting on his favorite scripture, the 23rd Psalm, Hunter said he finds comfort and strength in his faith in God.

“One thing that (burn) camp has taught me is to be more helpful, more positive, willing to do whatever is needed and be yourself,” he said.

Along with his triplet siblings, Hayden and Hannah, Hunter is a 2020 graduate of Kingfisher High School.

On the day of graduation, Hunter revealed the secret he had been keeping except from a select few - the culmination of hours, days and weeks he spent working with physical therapy to achieve his goal of walking across the stage to receive his diploma.

Hunter wants people to know that just because he’s in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean he’s not like everyone else and many of the things he does are not only for himself, but to encourage others, Heather said.

Although Hunter took classes at Redlands Community College upon graduation, he decided that path wasn’t for him and is hoping to find a small part-time job locally, where he can use his skills to contribute to the community.

There are resources available through the State of Oklahoma to provide support for individuals with disabilities in the workplace as well as incentives for businesses that provide those opportunities, Jeff said.

“We’re hopeful someone will want to give Hunter a chance,” he added.

With his proven work ethic, desire to help others and will to succeed, Hunter has become a shining example and advocate for others living with disabilities.

In 2019, Team Liza became the first mother- daughter special team duo to compete in the Ironman World Championships triathlon in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, and set a record again in 2022 by completing the grueling event.

They will be returning in October…but first they have a 5k to run.

As Hunter and Liza cross the finish line surrounded by family and friends, there’s sure to be a few happy tears amongst them.

“I want to tell people that I can do most of what you do and I may have help in my own way, but I don’t let my CP (cerebral palsy) or my challenges slow me down,” Hunter said.

Sharing a reminder that everyone wants to be included and fulfill their potential, Hunter encourages people to “always be yourself and never give up.”

By the way, once Hunter completes the race on Saturday, he has to rush home and get spiffied up for Savannah Station’s gala event, where he’ll be a guest speaker sharing his story and encouraging attendees to “pony up” and support a good cause.