Area Football Teams To Honor Teen Killed in Crash

By Mark Carlson, Reporter

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By Jay Knoll

Story Created: Oct 20, 2011 at 8:59 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 20, 2011 at 10:06 PM CDT

AMANA, Iowa - Three area football teams will wear helmet stickers this Friday to honor Mackenzie Lown. The 14-year-old Clear Creek Amana High School freshman was killed Monday when the car she was riding in crashed along Highway 6 in Johnson County. The crash sent seven others to the hospital.

“I looked at the Facebook page, and everyone was saying we miss you and RIP,” said Clear Creek Amana freshman Keyan McAreavy, who came up with the idea. “She was just a great person, always had a smile.”

Lown and five others were returning from cross country practice when the driver of the car, Zachary Swenka, 18, lost control and slammed into an oncoming minivan. As of Thursday, two of the cars other passengers, Chloe Keith and Claire Riggan, both 14, remain in fair condition at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

According to Clippers varsity football coach Rodney Walls, Clear Creek Amana, Mount Vernon, and Solon High Schools will all wear the heart-shaped stickers at their games Friday night.

“It’s amazing these young kids always come up with these great ideas,” said Walls. “The community always falls in support with them.”

Rage Graphix in North Liberty designed and donated more than 200 total helmet stickers to the three teams. David Brown, the designer, said he didn’t hesitate when he got the call.

“It was no question, this was something we would help out with,” Brown said. “I’m happy to help.”

Funeral services for Lown will be held this Saturday at 2 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Fairfax.

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