Special Olympians runner-up
PLYMOUTH — Special Olympics of Marshall and Starke counties just completed their first season of softball with a full roster of 17 athletes coached by Leroy Vandusen and Noel Soria.
Five athletes also participated in the Skills Competition and were coached by Sonja Soria. Athletes who participated in Skills compete at an individual level. Events for skills athletes include fielding the ball, running the bases (timed), batting, and softball throw. Practices were held twice a week and the Wildcats played five games before sectionals against local counties.
Sectional tournament rounds were held in St Joseph County on Aug. 26 with Marshall/starke taking the win.
The entire team communicated with each other, worked well with each other, leaned on each other for encouragement/ advice, and executed every single play. Each of the team’s skills competition athletes also received a medal or ribbon.
Winning at sectionals allowed the Wildcats to advance to state competition. A total of 29 teams across that state advanced to the Special Olympics Indiana State Softball Tournament. The tournament was held at the Center Grove Lassie League Softball Complex in Greenwood on Sept. 9.
The Wildcats team advanced and all 5 of our skills competition athletes also advanced to the State Tournament.
The Wildcats competed against the Monroe County Sluggers and took the win 10-9.
In game two against the Howard County Wildcats Marshall-starke Wildcats gave up 10 runs in the 1st inning but fought back falling just short by a 10-7 score.
Marshall Starke received a Silver medal at the State Tournament in their division.