Feature Photo By: Katiana Williams – The Unified team huddles during their Overland game. The plays meet at every quarter to discuss their next plays.
After a comeback win of 29-27 on January 23rd against Overland, Rangeview’s unified basketball team looks to gain momentum and win their next game on February 5th against Central. They currently have a record of 3 and 1.
Rangeview’s Unified program was the first in the APS district. The team took second place in regionals last year, not only facing Aurora’s high school teams, but also Cherry Creek’s and Denver’s.
“We informed them [the players] about the program, the importance of team work, the importance of competition in sport and life,” said Mrs. Williams, a three year Unified coach here at Rangeview. “Unified Sports Program provides opportunities for students with and without disabilities to contribute and participate in their school community.”
Unified sports is a sports program that unites Special Olympics athletes — individuals with disabilities — and involves partners who are without disabilities.
“We’re doing good, we’re believing in each other and doing a lot better than last year,” said sophomore unified player Antonio Allen.
The unified basketball team also has a big tournament at the end of the season on February 16th and a lot of the players, partners, and coaches say they are looking forward to it.
“One of our goals is definitely to win our tournament at the end of the season. We’re working hard for it and want to win it a lot,” said senior Cole Dugan, a unified partner.
The team has four more games until their big tournament in February:
- Rangeview at Aurora Central High School 02/05 at 4pm
- Rangeview vs Brighton 02/06 at 4pm
- Rangeview vs Vista Peak 02/09 at 4pm
- Rangeview at Brighton 02/13 at 6pm
- SOCO Tournament at Gold Crown 02/16
