PITTSBURG — The Iola High School, Middle School and Elementary School Special Olympics unified sports team met in Pittsburg on Wednesday for a regional bowling meet.
The student-athletes were separated into divisions based on their similar skill sets.
The High School Mustangs had Blayne Endicott, Guilis Pina and Mason Silvey come in first place. Gavin Doolittle, Kyle Schmidt and Jaden Smith finished in second place.
“Everyone had a good time and for some of our student-athletes it was their first time they got to play in a sporting event,” said Iola head coach Ann Bates. “There were lots of parents and grandparents in attendance which is cool for them to see their kids succeed at an athletic event like that.”
Middle-schoolers Xavier Burrow and Jacob Catron placed in first while Nick Stogsdill came in second. Kason Botts, Aiden Fracker, Keegon Hedman and Enzy Mynatt each placed in third.
“Having these opportunities for these kids gives them something different from their typical school day,” Bates said. “It’s kind of a break for them to see and meet different people. I think they’ve all enjoyed that, having a difference in their school day.”
Elementary school bowlers also competed well, with Phoenix Means and Dustin Smith each placing first. Eryx Means came in second place while Bella Hall and Kobear Smith placed in third.
“I think they’ve all had a good time with it and they’re starting to become closer as a team,” said Bates. “They’re not as shy as they were at the beginning of the season and they’re all hanging out with each other. They even started dancing to a jukebox at the bowling alley.”
The Unified Sports teams regional tournament in Cheney will take place Tuesday. The Unified State Bowling Tournament follows on Nov. 14 in Topeka.
