The Eatonville Special Olympics team poses with gold medals after capturing first place at a team skills competition. From left: Coach Sam Kralik, Christian Stacy, Trever Stacy, Jason Pederson, Leah Smiley, Maya Frink, Allison Collins, Ayden Hildebrand, Aaron Schmidt and Coach Cody Jumper.
Michelle Frink
In a thrilling showcase of teamwork and skill, the Eatonville Cruiser Special Olympics team secured first place and a gold medal at the Southwest Region Sub-Regional Basketball event hosted at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Olympia.
The competition featured five teams battling it out in the team skills completion. The Cruisers' journey to victory began in the first round, where they dominated the Clark County Bear Cats with a 92-66 win, propelling them into the quarterfinals.
In a nail-biting quarterfinal matchup, the Cruisers faced off against the University Place Pride, narrowly emerging victorious (86-85).
Undeterred, they continued their winning streak in the semifinals, defeating the Grays Harbor Gray Hawks 95-87 and earning their spot in the championship match.
The title showdown saw the Cruisers squaring off against their quarterfinals opponent, the University Place Pride, once again. Displaying unwavering determination, Eatonville secured a 96-92 victory, claiming first place and the coveted gold medals.
The coaching duo of local Eatonville teens, Cody Jumper and Sam Kralik, played a pivotal role in guiding the team to success.
With this victory, the Cruisers have earned a spot in the upcoming divisional event scheduled for Feb. 10 at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Olympia.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment