By Dominic Scianna
Bonnie and Joe Rivera sat enthusiastically cheering in the stands, as only parents can, to watch their son Julian compete in the Unified Special Olympics State Basketball Championships, in conjunction with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), at the University of Illinois’ Recreation and Athletics Center, March 14-15.
The IHSA also hosted, simultaneously, the Boys State Basketball Championships on the same weekend crowning champions in four different varsity classes just blocks away at the University of Illinois’ State Farm Center arena.
”Julian really played a good game today. And I like the fact that they get a chance to play in a college setting that they may not ever get the chance to experience everyday,” said proud mom, Bonnie.
After the game, Joe explained that his whole family really appreciates this opportunity and he’s glad they got involved in the Unified program.
“It means the world (to us) because it gives the kids so much exposure, not only playing the sport, but interacting with all of the other athletes. Just getting familiar and comfortable and playing basketball the right way is wonderful. The sportsmanship is outstanding too. They’re all here to have fun.”
The Unified basketball rosters are made up of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and Unified partners, or those without an intellectual disability. This Unified Champion School (UCS) strategy works to further develop inclusive learning and social environments for all students. The three key components of UCS are: Unified sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. To learn more, visit https://ucs.soill.org.
The Unified Special Olympics State Series promotes integrity, honesty, sportsmanship, achievement, plus a unique brand of competition and fun all thrown into one. Unified Basketball which first became an official Special Olympics Illinois sport in 2016. This March, Special Olympics Illinois and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) once again hosted this two-day competition in conjunction with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys State Basketball finals in Champaign.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a participating sponsor with Special Olympics Illinois, and its two representatives in the Division II Final Four Unified Basketball State Championship Series this year were: The Vaughn-St. Patrick High School Lucky Golden Eagles squad coached by Louis Rachmaciej and assisted by St. Patrick varsity basketball player Maurice Neeley, and the Southside Occupational Academy-St. Rita High School (Southside Buckets) team coached by Marc Rice, and managed by J.P. Schmitt.
“It’s such a special event,” said Mickey Pruitt, acting executive director of Chicago Public School’s office of sports administration. “The interaction between the athletes, in good sportsmanship, playing so hard and enjoying every minute of their time with teammates is priceless. The families of these young athletes really appreciate this opportunity for their children, and we (CPS) are happy to partner with Special Olympics Illinois for this worthwhile and rewarding endeavor.”
The Lucky Golden Eagles captured the bronze medal in defeating Southside Buckets, who finished fourth, and made their second appearance in the Final Four in back-to-back seasons. Coach Rachmaciej for Vaughn-St. Patrick allowed Neeley, his lead assistant, to take the reins and coach for this all-important team victory.
“I just feel like it’s a great environment and brings joy to my eyes. I just love to see it everyday during our practices and games,” said Neeley, who is also a varsity basketball player for the Shamrocks of St. Patrick High School.
Neeley and his Shamrocks teammates earned a medal too, also finishing third in the IHSA Boys Class 3A state finals for the first time in the school’s history under head coach Mike Bailey.
“It’s fun seeing these kids from all different backgrounds competing and getting to know them,” said Timothy Schayer, a St. Patrick high school student-athlete. “It was really gratifying (in the third-place game win) to get everyone on the team a basket. To see the smiles on their faces is what it’s all about.”
For St. Rita, it was a trip back to the Final Four in two consecutive seasons for head coach Marc Rice and his Southside Buckets squad.
“I always try to instill a sense of comradery with our team,” said Rice. “It’s friendship first and brotherhood. You always try to build on that and build a sense of character in each player. It’s great and gratifying for me. I feel like I’m a big brother to them and I’m watching my little brothers grow up.”
His players have taken his cue and it shows in their play and the respect they have for their opponents.
“This is my second year playing Unified basketball,” said Courtney Thomas, Special Olympics athlete from Southside Occupational Academy. ”We’ve been playing together (my school and St. Rita) for a long time in games and also have had a lot of practices. I really like it so much.”
Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO, Special Olympics Illinois, and his staff put on a spectacular event each year, and work tirelessly throughout the season to coordinate regular season scheduling and playoff coordination. And it all culminates with a seamlessly run Unified State Championship weekend in Champaign held annually to end each basketball campaign.
Julian, a Special Olympics athlete from Vaughn High School, had the perfect response prior to the medal presentation about his individual best season performance, and the team’s championship win.
“I made a lot of baskets and got a lot of rebounds,” admitted Julian, with a big smile on his face. “I had fun with my team and they are my friends. It was very exciting and we won.”
See both CPS third and fourth place Division II Unified team rosters below.
Vaughn – St. Patrick High School Coaches: Louis Rachmaciej, Head Coach; Maurice Neeley, Assistant Coach; Daniella Aguilar; Manager. Rostered Players: Conor Malenock, Timothy Schayer, Alejandro Hernandez, Marquon Armour, Etinosa Uyigue, Noah Austin, John Thomas, Alexander Lidell, Jeremiah Sarris, and Julian Rivera.
Southside Occupational Academy – St. Rita High School Coaches: Marc Rice, Head Coach; J.P. Schmitt, Manager. Rostered Players: Brendan Morgan, Matthew Grzyb, Courtney Thomas, Marcus Smith, Emanuel Dumas, Curtis Edwards, Darrion Ezell, Willis Medlock Waddell, Giovanni Scott.
IHSA Unified State Basketball is one of 13 Unified state sports competitions. It is the championship-level competition for those participating in high school Unified basketball at Unified Champion Schools and IHSA member schools. Teams qualify for this event by winning regional tournaments held across the state.
About Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 21,000-plus athletes with intellectual disabilities and 9,000-plus young athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership, and personal development. If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call our headquarters at 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Also, you can follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Photos by Joseph Gelman/OSA
