The Mid-Prairie Special Olympics Bowling team recently brought home hardware from their state contest. Special Education Teacher and Coach Traci Zahradnek shares what the Saturday competition looked like for the nine students involved, “We participated with, I don’t know, probably 125 other bowlers along with tons of spectators and family and friends watching. They each bowled two games and then their games were totalled, and then they received their awards, places first through fifth based on their divisions that they were in.”

She says it’s important to have programs like these, “The nice thing is it really gives students who maybe wouldn’t be able to participate at a varsity level, it gives them an opportunity to participate with other athletes like them and have a chance to, you know, be watched by their peers and families just like other students who maybe can participate in varsity athletics.”

The students who claimed first place included Grahm Gunderson, Tate Jeffries, Anthony McGaffy, and Briana Weber. Pierce Miller and John Miller each took second in their divisions. Mason Sieren placed fifth and James Allen took sixth place. Gabby Yoder is also on the team but was unable to participate the day of competition. Zahradnek says they will begin practice in February for track and field events.