Troy Special Olympics Basketball Team Places 3rd at Regional Competition

The Troy School District 30-C Special Olympics Basketball Team took third place at the recent Junior Special Olympics Basketball Tournament, held at Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin.

Team members are Zoe Barnes, Allan Diaz, Mason Dixon, Haylee Gonzales, Michael Horn, Jordan Jenkins, Seren Jenkins, Noah Melton, Jo Mindeman, Christian Muench, Josie Pearson and Jadeyn Tinajero.

Troy Special Olympics Basketball Skills athletes are Johnny Prystalski, Leah Coleman and Marty Huntington, who are also doing well competing this year.

Co-coaches are Mary Kate Beutel and Nicolle Oldenburg.

“Most of these athletes have participated on the Special Olympics Basketball Team for several years,” Beutel said. “This placement really showed how much effort and determination they’ve put in this year. It’s great to see how far they’ve come with their basketball skills and teamwork. We are very proud of them.”

The coaches thanked parents and the team’s several volunteers, which included Troy teachers, staff and a former Troy student and current athlete at Joliet West High School.

Volunteers were Lawson Sizemore, Cindy Baldyga, Kate Cannova, Gillian Dorman, Jodie Miech, Eva Rahn, Karen Storcz, Jessica Tuttle, Caelie VanderVelde and Rachel Violetto.