Alyssa Askeland
The AHS Trojan Warrior Special Olympics Team participated in the Iowa Mid-Winter Tournament this past weekend. The team placed third in Dance, second in Basketball and first in Cheerleading.
“They had a great time,” said sponsor and resource teacher Kathy Blazek, “The athletes worked hard and had great sportsman ship. They played a great game.” The athletes have been practicing since Novermber to earn their way to the state championships.
The basketball team was tied 30-30 against Vinton-Shellsburg who scored at the last second. “The kids were disappointed but it was a good and close game all four quarters,” says Blazek. Player Stephanie Pitsenbarger said that even though they lost, she is still proud of herself and her teammates who did an outstanding job this season.
There was a lot of competition in the dance and cheer events as well. “The cheerleaders did exceptionally well and displayed enthusiasm and spirt thoughout their two cheers and chants,” said Blazek.
The Special Olympians that attended were as follows: Shawntel Acosta, Cindy Davis, Nate Frazier, Cassie Gregory, Sierra Klinghammer, Stephanie Pitsenbarger, Tiffany Pitsenbarger, Kineta Stein, and Tyler Wenninghoff.