Two District 202 middle school Special Olympics basketball teams will compete in the state games this weekend at Illinois State University.
The Red Cheetahs and the Blue Cheetahs competed in the regional tournament on January 12.
The teams are made up of students from Aux Sable, Drauden Point, Heritage Grove, Ira Jones, and John F. Kennedy middle schools.
This is the first year District 202 has hosted a middle school Special Olympics basketball program.
Haley Koziol, Special Olympics Athletic Director for the middle school and FBI SELECT teacher at Drauden Point, said expectations were high for the teams but the focus was on developing fundamental basketball skills and gaining experience.
The Red Cheetahs earned a silver medal in their division and the Blue Cheetahs earned a gold medal on January 12.
These wins sent both teams to the state games on March 7-9 at Illinois State University.
“Coaches and supporters are incredibly proud of the athletes’ growth and dedication throughout the season,” Koziol said.
Here are the two teams:
Blue Cheetahs
Camden Annis, sixth grade, Aux Sable Middle School
Ryen Lebsock, sixth grade, Aux Sable Middle School
Will Rosario, seventh grade, Drauden Point Middle School
Nicholas “Nick” Lammert, seventh grade, Drauden Point Middle School
Payton Labellarte, seventh grade, Drauden Point Middle School
Jonathan Gandy, eighth grade, Drauden Point Middle School
Joseph “Joey” Schmid, seventh grade, Ira Jones Middle School
London Williams-Demus, eighth grade, John F. Kennedy Middle School
Coaches Brenda Rosenbaum and Haley Koziol. Parent volunteer Jason Lammert
Red Cheetahs
Parker Cuello, sixth grade, Drauden Point Middle School
Jake Garbis, sixth grade, Heritage Grove Middle School
Imanol Lupian, seventh grade, Heritage Grove Middle School
Eizlee Reyes, eighth grade, Ira Jones Middle School
Lilianna “Lily” Diversey, seventh grade, Ira Jones Middle School
Wade Noble, eighth grade, Ira Jones Middle School
Ryan Angelus, eighth grade, John F. Kennedy Middle School
Coaches Dani Harness and Laura Gialo. Parent volunteer Willie Noble
