Health & Fitness
Joliet Township High School Special Olympic Team Members Qualify for State Championship
Fourteen student members of the Joliet Township High School Special Olympic Team traveled to Thornwood High School for the Area 7 Spring Game on May 4.
Fourteen student members of the Joliet Township High School Special Olympic Team traveled to Thornwood High School for the Area 7 Spring Game on May 4.
At the Spring Games, the athletes competed in two track and field style events. “All students competed this year in two of the following events: 50m Dash, softball throw or standing long jump.,” said Joliet Township High School Special Olympics Coordinator Matthew Kennedy. “The students were also part of an opening ceremony parade of athletes in the morning and then competed in events that were sectioned into divisions by ability level and gender.”
JTHS students who participated in the qualifying events include: Noah Baker, James Fernandez, Marcus Gregory, Mitchell Houlihan, Ricardo Leon, Michael Nye, Josh Porfilio, Stephanie Pransky, Raul Requena, Aaron Whitfield, John Gutierrez, Teddy Lucas, Vincent Mattix, and Jillian Vicic.
Find out what's happening in Shorewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I am extremely proud of each and every one of the athletes that participated,” said Kennedy.
Of the 14 students who participated, five students qualified for the State Championship. To qualify for state, students had to obtain first place in his or her division. The State Championship will be held in Normal, Illinois at the Illinois State University track facility on Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15.
Find out what's happening in Shorewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Students who qualified for the state competition include: Stephanie Pransky, 100m run and softball throw; Raul Requena, softball throw; Marcus Gregory, standing long jump and 100m run; Mitchell Houlihan, standing long jump and 100m run; and John Gutteirez, softball throw.
“I would like to thank all the JTHS volunteers that made the day a success and the JTHS administration who have supported the program and our students,” said Kennedy. Volunteers include: Robbie Carter, Alfred Warren, Melanie Houlihan, Ana Martinez, Patti Edwards, Joanna Pizzano, Connie Bishop, Brenda Campos, Rebecca Bernickus, Robert Casey, Delinda Kennedy, Cindy Croce, Sarah Galounis, Vern Jordan, and Rebecca Kemp.
