The joy of Sports Wilson Student-Athletes Team Up with Special Olympians By Samantha Burmeister Whether they are scoring a bowling tournament, hosting a swimming practice or running through a field hockey clinic, Wilson student-athletes are happy to share their joy of sports with area Special Olympians. “The experience with the Special Olympics athletes is unforgettable,” said multi-sport student-athlete Taylor Crouse ’16. “The athletes are very energetic, and value the encouragement and guidance we give them in order to have a successful experience.” Active participation by student-athletes in the community through service is one of the pillars of the NCAA Division III philosophy. In support of this goal, the NCAA formed a national partnership between Division III and the Special Olympics, designed to improve and enhance the lives of the Special Olympic athletes. Since 2011, Wilson College athletics has collaborated with the local Franklin County Special Olympics organization. Throughout the year, student-athletes volunteer to provide assistance at events such as swimming practices and multi-sport training sessions. Teams have also hosted clinics specifically structured for Special Olympic athletes on the Wilson campus. One such program this past year was hosted by the Wilson field hockey team, with a series of skills clinics for the athletes. The program provides a unique opportunity for personal connections between Wilson’s student-athletes and the Special Olympians, who work closely with the players and coaching staff. The clinics incorporate various shooting and ball-handling drills, as well as live game competition. “The clinics have been a special opportunity for the field hockey team,” said field hockey head coach Shelly Novak. “We have the good fortune to share the sport that we love with a tremendous group of individuals and have a terrific experience.” In February, Wilson athletics team members assisted at the Franklin County Special Olympics bowling tournament, running the scoring tables and helping with the awards ceremony. “When they get a strike, they are all jumping up and down, whooping and hollering, and we all are too!” Crouse said. “The awards ceremony (at the end of the bowling tournament) is always so cool because everyone gets an award and they all get so excited,” said Katelyn Wingerd ’16, a member of the Wilson softball team. “They are thrilled to be considered an athlete. No matter what, they are always striving to do their best. They really brighten my day when I’ve been with them.” John Klenzing, who is in charge of training for the Franklin County Special Olympics, said the athletes look forward to these events. “I think a lot of the Special Olympians like the one-on-one attention they get from the Wilson students, because they know they are talking with another athlete, that they are being taken seriously,” Klenzing said. “It makes them feel that they are being recognized as an athlete.” “After I spend an afternoon with them, I come home with a big ol’ smile on my face,” said Crouse. “Being able to work with the Special Olympians has been a very rewarding experience, and one that I will continue to value through college.”
