TheSportsDept.com Glastonbury Edition February 2013

Inside The Sports Department

Jon Buzby discusses how teams cans prevent

running up the score. See page 3.

We sit down with boys basketball star,

Jordan Butler. See page 10.

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PRINT EDITION

Hockey Co-Ops Sign Of New Ice Age

By Nate OwenThe Sports Department

Schools were the respective tournament

champions of their hockey leagues. They

were two more titles in a long list won by

Two years later, neither school had

enough players to form a full team, so

the longtime town rivals had to merge to

form a co-op. This year, there was enough

to room to add players from two more

schools.

It is the way of Connecticut high school

hockey, especially in north and central

Connecticut, where slashes are as com-

mon in separating co-op team names as

on the ice.

The high school hockey landscape in

Connecticut has evolved drastically over

the last several seasons.

The CIAC has three divisions of 57

teams, down from

63 in 2009-10. Of

the 57, 23 are co-op

teams with players

from two, three or

even four schools.

Lack of numbers is

the familiar reason

schools languish-

ing at the bottom

of their league that

have had trouble putting together enough

bodies for a full program.

of the trend.

-

season. Stafford had been with Rockville

and Manchester, but that tri-op fell apart

due to lack of numbers, and all three

schools found new partners this season.

“If we had kept Manchester, we would

have had 11 hockey players,” Rockville

athletic director Steve Phelps said. The

Rams ended up with Bolton, Coventry and

Lyman Memorial-Lebanon and have rid-

den a deep team to an 12-1-1 start.

“Co-ops are the new norm,” said coach

Paul Dowe of Tri-Town, the oldest co-op in

from Somers, Ellington and East Windsor.

“The only way to survive as a high school

organization is to co-op with other towns.”

“I grew up in Manchester and my older

brother played a lot growing up,” Tolland

another town. “

Steven Grigorian, the vice president of

South Windsor Arena, said he saw co-ops

the largest in the state and have 500 kids.

Now they have about 100.”

And as players get older, hockey gets

equipment, a family can be on the hook for

a hefty bill.

parents a lot of credit,” Dowe said.

The advent of indoor facilities such as

availability of sports such as lacrosse or

soccer that are far cheaper than a season

of hockey.

“People are very cautious with discretion-

of dollars, maybe the parents start looking

in other directions.”

often needs to be replacing as players get

either.

said Bob Croteau, general manager of

Bolton Ice Palace. Crouteau says most

of the high school teams take ice time in

considered “down

time.”

most teams are

partially provided

by the school

through the

town's board of

education, with

the rest getting

split among the

same amount, most of which goes towards

director Mike Bosworth.

In Rockville, the board of education

raised funds for ice fees and coach

stipends, Phelps said, with the remainder

getting picked up by the players. Players

their respective schools, instead relying on

money raised by booster clubs and their

said.

E.O. Smith handles the bulk of the ad-

ministrative work for the tri-op consisting

of them, Tolland, and Windham, accord-

education picks up a higher portion of their

“That being said, for what our kids pay to

skate is still cheap. If they were to go play

in a private league and play the same 25-

said.

While the decrease in numbers often

leaves some high schools with no choice

but to seek out other schools, there are

Dowe said. “The kids make a bunch of

friends. A lot of these kids become lifelong

friends.”

And the results on the ice can be there

Manchester was 2007-08, when the team

No Stopping Latham

Courtney Latham, who recently went over

1,000 points for her career, has the Tomahawks

on the right path as the state tournament

approaches. The Tomahawks are 17-2. Photo

by Elizabeth Taylor, TheSportsDept.com,

www.ebtaylorphotography.com

“I think across the board, the

size of our school contributes

to being able to maintain a

squad on our own,” Glaston-

bury athletic director Trish

Witkin said.

2

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By Jon BuzbyThe Sports Department


How To Not Run Up The Score

Three times in the past two weeks,

I went to local high school basketball

games and witnessed teams running up

the score. I've also seen it happen plenty

of times in recreation and travel league

games, where coaches refuse to control

players, resulting in embarrassing the op-

ponents even more.

In these situations, all three teams had

leads of more than 25 points heading into

the fourth quarter and continued to play

starters and press full-court.

the substitutes were pressing and run-

ning-and-gunning as if trying to score 100

points, even though none of the teams

were close to doing so. And the coaches

did absolutely nothing to discourage it - in

fact, they encouraged it.

No matter what level of sport, running

downright unacceptable.

In baseball, coaches should not tell

players to quit hitting or pitchers to stop

to stretch singles into doubles or doubles

into triples, or try to intentionally work

down untouched with the football be-

to the opponent (an unintended conse-

quence of the 50-point rule in Connecticut

high schools). But coaches should not be

calling trick or long pass plays on offense

or blitz on defense.

season and lacrosse is right around the

teams to avoid running up the score.

Once the game is out of reach, coaches

can insert all the reserves and instruct

them to pass the ball for one minute

or more when on offense. After a pre-

established time, the team can run a

set play until they score or turn the ball

over. This takes time off the clock while

forcing players to still play hard and work

proven to be an overmatched opponent.

-

ning team never run a fast break.

-

fense, but it should be in a packed-in

zone without any type of press or pres-

sure defense on the perimeter. The chal-

lenge to the defenders can be to try and

limit easy shots and not allow the offense

to get rebounds.

with a large lead and to make sure the

players in the game are willing to do so.

-

the bench for that player to sit and watch

the rest of the game.

plan, the coach might also let them know

that if they get benched for not following

instructions, the bench is not only where

against an opponent is embarrassing for

everyone involved on both teams - but

no more embarrassing than for the coach

allowing it to happen.

Contact Jon Buzby at [email protected] and follow him @JonBuzby on Twitter.

CT Schools Well Ahead By Jon BuzbyThe Sports Department

In what could become landmark regula-

for K-12 schools to provide opportunities

for students with disabilities to participate

on athletic teams.

I say “could become” because now

guidelines a step further and offer stu-

dents with disabilities additional athletic

opportunities beyond the traditional varsi-

ty teams. Why? Because what these new

guidelines essentially state is students

be kept off a team because they have a

because they're not good enough. Just

like any other student. And if they are cut,

country he will not have the opportunity

to compete on an athletic team.

way ahead of the game.

middle schools and several elementary

See “Over 100 Schools” Page 11


Girls Basketball Eyeing Title RunTheSportsDept.com

team is no stranger to regular season

dominance. The Tomahawks were 17-2

towards a top seed in the Class LL state

tournament.

But tournament basketball is a com-

pletely different animal and the CCC

tournament - where the Tomahawks are

one week away.

gotten healthy,” Glastonbury coach Brian Flemingsaid. “Lately, I have been a little

concerned that we may have gotten

complacent. Teams are coming at us much

harder the second time around.”

After a loss to Manchester in the Class LL

senior guard Courtney Latham, also a

-

cused completely on bucking recent trends

in the postseason.

or University all year this season,” the

coach said of his star guard and her com-

on Glastonbury.”

Latham surpassed the career 1,000-point

mark during a recent away game and im-

mediately brushed it aside, looking at the

and impressive feat.

“She was almost uncomfortable with [the

idea of a] ceremony at home honoring

-

mitted to the program and to her team-

mates. And I knew that coming into this

all know what it is.”

Latham and the Tomahawks lost in the

second round her freshman year back in

2010 and were one win shy of a state title

game in 2011 after a devastating loss to

Mercy. Now, with the 2013 tournament

on the horizon, Latham (5 foot 8) is not

memory at Glastonbury, she is also lead-

ing her team in rebounds, steals and is

near the top in assists.

honestly, I have been here for 13 years

years if not ever to score 1,000.”

More impressive still, Latham only scored

30,” the coach said of Latham who aver-

to do it while making people around her

better too. “

The CCC tournament and is not only a

key test before the state contest begins,

but also a matter of pride. Central Con-

necticut is a tough place to play girls bas-

ketball and the annual single-elimination

trek can tell where a team measures up

before facing the rest of the state.

“I equate it to the Big East Tournament

we beat is a test. There is a state champi-

prepared for the tournament. Sometimes it

Boys Basketball

team has evolved from underachievers to

Glastonbury has run off seven wins in

eight games and improved to 12-5, 7-5 in

the CCC North. The Tomahawks out-

scored opponents by more than 12 points

per game during this stretch and earned

impressive wins over Manchester and at

Windsor, which had been ranked in the

state top 10.

The Tomahawks are deep and well-

rounded. They average 58.6 points, shoot

the boards, and the defense can betena-

cious at times. The Tomahawks average

allowed more than 60 points only three

times.

-

Jordan Butler and guard Jalen Ollie are

220 pounds) is one of the best big men in

the state and a force to be reckoned with

been inconsistent on the offensive end, but

percent.

“We have learned from our early season

mistakes,” said coach Jim Vaughan. “We

have gotten much better at handling and

moving the ball. The players are staying

within themselves and understanding the

roles they need to play for us to be suc-

cessful.”

The Tomahawks captured a statement

2. The team rallied back from a halftime

-

rebounds. Ollie and guards

and Janvier Johnson also scored in

percent.

The Tomahawks have moved up to 15th

in the Class LL point standings. Vaughan

strong and be a threat in the LL tourna-

ment.

“We have the talent needed to go on

a strong tournament run. If we play with

complete effort, we can compete with any

team.”

Wrestling: Another CCC North title The Tomahawks had a dominating month

in keeping the CCC North title in Glaston-

bury for the fourth consecutive year,

securing it with an impressive 39-29 vic-

to 19-2. Glastonbury is 10th in the most

recent Norwich Bulletin state coaches poll.

The CCC tournament was rescheduled

because of the weekend snowstorm.

The team knocked off Manchester 50-15

on senior night, dominated Windsor 60-16,

2-1 with wins over Guilford, and Cheshire,

while falling to Simsbury in a close 29-27

match.

Joe Rossetti (106), Jake Jones (132) Dan Hecker (152) and Andy Cavanna

(220) have led the way with impressive

individual and invitational wins.

(113) also earned his 100th

career victory in the Simsbury meet.

Hockey The Tomahawks are starting to heat up

as the season hit the stretch run. Glaston-

Avery hat trick to move to 10-5 on the

season. It was the Tomahawks second

consecutive victory over the Chieftains,

and third in four games since losing

back-to-back one goal games last month.

Glastonbury entered last weekend ranked

season with homes games against Sims-

bury and South Windsor.

Ashley Mulryan breaks the press against East

Hartford. Photo by: Elizabeth Taylor, TheSportsDept.

com, www.ebtaylorphotography.com Nate Owen also contributed to this story.

5

See

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e ph

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at

ww

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orts

Dept

.com


Sophomore Shayne Mack looks to keep the puck in the

zone. Photo by: Elizabeth Taylor, TheSportsDept.com,


Jordan Butler goes in for a block

against the backboard. Photo by:

Elizabeth Taylor, TheSportsDept.com,


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7TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition

Accelerated Fitness Helps Athletes Reach

GoalsBy Accelerated Fitness

The number of students playing sports

has reached an all-time high. In the

2010-11 school year, 7.7 million high

school students participated in orga-

nized sports. This means that a large

regular basis, learning the value of hard

work and what it means to work as a

-

acter trait that is instilled in all athletes is

the importance of doing everything they

can to reach their genetic potential. Be-

ing the best that you can be has become

the norm.

What do high level amateur and

professional athletes do to become the

best? The answer is quite simple. They

go to practice, eat right, get adequate

sleep and partake in speed and agility

and strength and conditioning training.

-

ing along with a solid strength and con-

ditioning program is necessary for suc-

cess. These programs help to develop

foot speed along with coordination. They

improve power output through the legs

and upper body. They strengthen the

be your best without this training.

Unfortunately, it is often the most over-

looked part of a middle and high school

-

comprehensive program that covers all

of the previously mentioned necessities

for improving athletic ability. We take all

stretching and static stretching. We also

hips, knees and shoulders. We make

athletes faster by teaching them proper

running form, increasing power output

and improving coordination. And the by-

product of all that hard work is that they

improve their overall level of condition-

ing.

The unprecedented number of partici-

pating athletes has made it even more

important for your son or daughter to

do everything possible to stand out.

Solutions, your child will make improve-

ments to develop into the best athlete

Workout sessions are an hourand a half long (90 minutes)

Male 12+

Please contact Doug Dorsey at (860) 657-8248or via email: Glastonbury@accelerated!tness.com for more information.Download registration forms at www.Accelerated!tness.com

CATEGORIES:

DATE:February 5th - March 14th

High School

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8

ASK THE TRAINER


The Importance Of Stretching

allied health care providers trained in the prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of sports injuries. They work under the di-rection of a physician and they are board

Visit www.NATA.org for more information.

High School are provided by Hartford

-tation Network.Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network

have partnered to bring readers a month-ly column on sports medicine topics. Readers may submit questions related to injuries, training advice, rehabilitation or any other sports medicine topic. Submit questions to:

Because school–aged athletes seem

so nimble and quick, an often neglected

activity for these athletes is stretching.

all athletes, regardless of age, prevent

two phases – before activity and after activity.

up. A good warm-up includes a few min-

utes of activity such as brisk walking or

slow running (this can even be in place).

There are a few general “rules” for

speed sport: it needs to be done slowly

with control over the movements being

performed. Second, bouncing should not

occur during a stretching activity. The

end point of the stretch should be a 5-10

second hold when resistance is met.

Third, if an athlete is recovering from an

for stretching from an athletic trainer or

physical therapist.

It is especially important to stretch the

back and the large muscles groups of the

lower body. Some easy ways to do this

are:

place your hands on your knees and

bring your knees up toward your armpits.

Repeat 3-5 times.


Student Athlete of the Month

Student Athlete of the Month

GLASTONBURY

GLASTONBURY

Kerstan

Basketball

Glastonbury Parks and Recreation

Springboard Diving Lessons

By Bill EngleGlastonbury Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department is

accepting registrations for the remaining

openings of diving lessons which will be

held on Sunday afternoons, March 3-May

The following classes have openings:

Beginner I: Meets 5-6 p.m. Students must

able to perform a standing front dive from

the diving board.

Beginner II: Meets 6-7 p.m.. Students must

have passed Beginner I diving and must

be able to perform a forward and back-

ward dive.

Intermediate & Advanced meets 7-8 p.m.

Intermediate must be able to perform a

forward dive, back dive, inward dive and

somersault and any direction. Advanced

students must be able to perform a for-

ward dive and forward somersault, back

dive or reverse somersault, and forward

dive with one-half twist.

7679.

Pick Up the Pace… With PilatesJoin Personal Euphoria Pilates Tuesday

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ners. Learn how to enhance your running

learn how to better balance your muscles

prepared for each run and have the knowl-

edge to keep your body safe between

runs. Learn which stretches are best for a

runner's body and understand how to do

them properly. Be your body's own best

running buddy. Bring a yoga mat to work-

shop. Cost: $25.

Happy FeetJoin Personal Euphoria Pilates Tuesday,

March 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Academy

-

ing 1million pounds of pressure in an

made up of and what they do for us each

day. The happier our feet are the stronger,

This workshop will get you in better touch

with your sole. Learn about the foot, some

help your feet empower your whole body.

We'll work on arch strength, mobility and

-

ance. Please bring a yoga mat and you'll

go home with written materials, a smash

Registration is currently underway by mail,

online at glastonbury-ct.gov and walk-in

at the Parks and Recreation Department,

information.

Nickname: T-brose

Accomplishments: Society, All-CCC Academic Team, varsity

volleyball

GPA:How do you prepare for a game? Re-

the game that night.

Thoughts on the season: If we continue

to play defense the way we are capable

of, I think we are a legitimate threat to

win the LL championship.

The double-

overtime win against Avon this year. It

was a great team win that set the tone for

the season and our student section was

great.

What area were you strongest in? What area did you improve the most in over your career? Playing defense.

miss the most about playing for your

miss the most about high school?

They are really like a second family to

suffering through the losses together, or

overcome? Playing this season with a

fractured ankle.

Favorite athlete? Which athlete do you

most model your game after? I model

my game after UConn forward Niels

Giffey. We both make up for our lack of

size by playing hard.

Red Sox or Yankees? UConn men or UConn women?

The

Beatles, The Godfather, Saturday Night

Live

What is your favorite sports website to follow? nypost.com

How do you believe sites like Twitter and Facebook have changed how you watch and follow sports? Social Media

has allowed fans to get to know their

favorite players off the court.

Plans after high school: Go to college

-

Nickname: Kerst

Accomplishments:Varsity sophomore year in basketball,

On school record-breaking 200- and

season).

GPA:How do you prepare for a game? Watching the JV game before puts me

in a good mood. Also I really focus on

having a good warm-up.

Thoughts on the basketball season: We have a strong team as a whole and

other. All of us are focused on working

our hardest and bringing the best out of

the rest of our teammates. I think we can

win the CCC tournament and go far in

the state LL tournament.

My favorite

moment was upsetting Tolland in the

2012). It was a huge game to win and

gave us a huge boost for the rest of our

season last year.

What area were you strongest in? What area did you improve the most in over your career? I am strong in

rebounding and I have been working to

improve being aggressive to the basket

and becoming an offensive threat.

miss the most about playing for your team? O

to miss the most about high school?

of my teammates.

What is the toughest challenge I've learned how to

balance all different parts of life, making

sure that I maintain good grades while

still improving on my athletics and keep-

ing strong relationships with my friends

and family.

Favorite athlete? Which athlete do you most model your game after? I

watching her play and want to model

the determination she shows.

Red Sox or Yankees? UConn men or UConn women?watching both UConn teams.

Ras-

-

elorette

What is your favorite sports website to follow? ESPN

How do you believe sites like Twitter and Facebook have changed how you watch and follow sports? I don't

because I like to watch the games live.

Plans after high school: Go to col-

medicine.

Tyler AmbroseBasketball

leg stretch.

Sit on the

straight in front of you

straight up to the

ceiling. With your

hands on your lower

legs or ankles, roll

forward aiming you

chin for your legs.

Repeat 3-5 times.

your legs straight and

spread apart. Put both

hands on one shin or ankle

and roll forward aiming your chin

for your leg. Repeat 3-5 times,

then repeat on the other side.

place the bottoms of your feet

other with your knees out to

the sides. Put your arms

on your knees and gently

push your legs toward

times.

onto a chair or wall with one hand. With

the other hand pull the lower leg on that

same side up towards your buttocks.

Repeat 3-5 times, then repeat on the

other side.

crossed and feet close together. Bend

forward. Repeat 3-5 times, then cross

your legs in the other direction and

repeat.

legs apart with one foot point-

ing out to the side. Keeping

your back straight lean over

that foot and return to the

starting position. Repeat

3-5 times and then re-

peat on the other side.

There are many other

stretches similar to

these that will do the

much about which

stretches you do,

but that you do

some. As always

refer any ques-

tions to one of

your health

care provid-

ers.

Continued from Page 8

Nothing Like A Good Stretch

10

Continued from Page 1


won the in Division III. “Go Man-Ville” was

inscribed on a lot of car windows in the

area during the title run.

Per CIAC rules, any team with co-op pro-

not a problem, as most coaches said they

together a team, never mind make cuts.

Junior varsity teams are rare, although

some teams such as Rockville have infor-

mal scrimmages to give players who might

a lot of ice time a chance to develop.

Schools like South Windsor and Glaston-

bury have managed to stay as a single

top hockey programs, although South

Windsor is having an off year this season.

“I think across the board, the size of

our school contributes to being able to

maintain a squad on our own,” Glaston-

bury athletic director Trish Witkin said.

The Tomahawks compete in Division I for

hockey and in Class LL, the largest clas-

-

a point where Glastonbury has had to

consider a co-op program, she said.

Bosworth said there might come a time

down the road when the state might have

to look at cutting back to two divisions if

the numbers keep dropping as they have

been.

While some area youth programs are

down in numbers, the Eastern Connecticut

Ice Palace, has a seen a rise over the last

few years.

“Their numbers had dwindled quite a bit,

especially in the house program and learn-

to-play program,” Croteau said.

thanks to a recruiting effort co-presidents

Bob Pilney and Ken Camello started when

they took over the program three years

ago.

“Kenny and I basically put the emphasis

back on young age groups,” Pilney told

The Sports Department in December.

“We worked really hard with a grassroots

-

keted the area and tried to get kids back to

youth hockey.”

Those two, along with Mike Rooney,

Learn to Play program had 55 members,

while Mini-Mites had 30. Once players

are done with Mini-Mites, they move on

in-house group.

-

petitive travel leagues instead of learn-to-

Whalers left, youth programs are still im-

“When the Whalers were here, they

Wolf Pack or the Whale are,” Grigorian

said. “The Whalers were always doing

something, always giving back, and that

had a lot to do with it when [youth hockey]

was strong. Every little kid wanted to be a

Whaler.”

governing body for amateur ice hockey

in the United States, has made several

changes to help increase interest in the

game, including addressing the issue of

concussions and the travel schedule for

mite hockey.

-

ers that are on their way [from the youth

level],” Rockville coach Christian Steven-

few years, you could see more (schools)

going back out on their own.”

said the Bruins' Stanley Cup two years

-

ized at the high school level for several

years.

of hockey players that are going to play,”

Genovese said. “I played so I want to pass

-

ment.”

But there are other options for players

besides their local high school. While

rarely lost players to select programs or

to private schools like East Catholic, or the

schools through the state.

games and you can be on the ice every

smart move to make because the cost

to play in high school is about the same.

Really, it depends on the family and what

their goals academically are.”

While more and more schools are band-

ing together due to dwindling numbers,

those closest to the game realize what a

“

-

sons. If more people realized what good

kids are generated through the game, I

think more kids would be playing.”

Aaron Lickwar makes a save

Stafford during an early

season matchup. Fermi and

teams in their respective

leagues. They joined forces

two years ago before East

Granby and Stafford joined

them this season. Photo

Courtesy of Lifetouch.

USA Hockey Trying To Keep Interest

Q & A: Glastonbury's Jordan ButlerBy Danny AtkinsonThe Sports Department

is having a busy sports year. After play-

ing a key role on the Tomahawks' football

team has a two-way tackle, Butler (6 foot

6, 220 pounds) is is one of the leaders of

of its last seven - including an upset of

Windsor, which at the time was ranked

CCC North) appears poised for a run in

the Class LL tournament, which could give

Butler a further chance to showcase his

skills for college scouts. Danny Atkinson

spoke with Butler recently:

The Sports Departmentyou think the season has gone, and why

has the team been able to go on this hot

streak?

Butlerlately. We started off slow, but everyone

eventually realized we had to play together

more and not try and do too much by

ourselves. Guys were concerned with be-

TSD: this season? Which areas have you im-

proved in the most?

JB: do better. My timing with blocking shots

-

practice and it has become more consis-

becoming more comfortable and aggres-

sive in handling the ball.

TSD: What approach do you take when trying to

block a shot?

JB: It is all about timing and putting myself

in position. I watch the shooter closely and

anticipate where he is going with the ball

have a good shot at getting the block.

TSDWhat is the secret to your success?

JB

learned my teammates' shooting tech-

niques, I can anticipate if the shot will go in

our not and what direction it will come off

the rim and then put myself in position to

grab the ball.

TSD: What has been your best game of

the season so far and why?

JB:

able to push the team towards the win. I

always get up for big games and feed off

their energy. Big games get me hyped

about playing basketball.

TSD: Which area do you still need to im-

prove in the most?

JB: I still really need to improve my free-

patient with my shot I make them.

TSD: What type of impact has Glaston-

bury coach Jim Vaughan had on you as a

player?

JB: and how to handle and overcome adver-

sity. Coach Vaughan has been hard on

aggressive, and that has helped me grow

and improve as a player.

TSD: What leadership role do you try and

take on the team?

JB: The other guys look to me to set a

tone for how we are going to play. If I play

all-out, then my teammates will bring the

energy we need.

TSD: Are there any guys on the team who

have really helped you grow as a player?

JB

together with Janvier Johnson for a long

game and are able to set each other up for

baskets.

TSD: -

ketball with Connecticut Select for a long

time. What are the biggest differences

between AAU and high school?

JB: I like that everyone gets to touch the

ball in high school and has a chance to

contribute. AAU is a lot more competitive.

The players are more athletic and quicker,

and I like that you get the opportunity to

play a lot of one-on-one ball.

TSD: What colleges are you looking to

-

ing process been like?

JB: I have been offered scholarships by

Central Connecticut and UMass-Lowell.

There are a number of other schools that

Wagner, Long Island University and

be Central at this point. I would like to play

close to home.

Division I player for a long time, so being

recruited by those schools has been a

TSD

special would it be to go on a run and end

your high school career on a high note?

JB: It would be awesome to do that. I think

we can be a huge threat in the playoffs.

A lot of people have underrated us and

surprised by how many good players we

have.

Jordan Butler has had many

Division I colleges looking

at him, including CCSU.

Photo by Elizabeth Taylor,

TheSportsDept.com, www.

ebtaylorphotography.com

11

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Continued from Page 3schools statewide offer students with

and without disabilities the opportunity to

Sports teams. Special Olympics athletes

-

out a disability, to create an opportunity

for competition similar to that of a varsity

team. It also creates opportunities long

get bullied in schools,” said Beau Doherty,

president of Special Olympics Connecticut.

-

of the high school football team telling his

who are at a segregated lunch table to sit

with them. That is, to me, why we do it.”

Sports to Special Olympics founder Eunice

Kennedy Shriver in 1982 while working as

the training director for Special Olympics

with Special Olympics Incorporated staff

-

ily made up of adult athletes. But in 1992,

Doherty had become the assistant director

at Special Olympics Connecticut and ap-

proached the Connecticut Interscholastic

Athletic Conference with the idea of mak-

-

rently boasts a participation of more than

1,300 athletes and partners in 120 schools

throughout the state. At the middle and

high school level, students compete in

soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball.

At the elementary level, students en-

gage in non-competitive athletic activities

designed to develop skills in a variety of

sports.

with a disabilities the opportunity to play a

-

ing a team sport.

The CIAC mission statement says the

organization “believes that interscholastic

athletic programs and competition are an

social, emotional and physical develop-

ment.” Cutting students with disabilities

from teams with no alternative programs to

-

cussed during the conference call as

students with disabilities that are provided

by traditional Interscholastic athletics,” said

Kevin Charles, president of the National

-

of participation for all students. Providing

programs for disabled students adds value

will work together with the Department of

participation opportunities for all students,

including those with disabilities.”

Bringing together students with and with-

out disabilities on teams is a natural way

and the CIAC. Teammates quickly become

friends, on and off the court, and ultimate-

ly, those friends become advocates for

people with disabilities.

of Connecticut high schools and middle

your court.

Over 100 Schools Involved

Workout sessions are an hourand a half long (90 minutes)

Female 12+

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TheSportsDept.com Glastonbury Edition February 2013

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