Hinsdale South Special Olympics Team Wins State Basketball Tournament

Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.
Photo 1: The Hinsdale South Special Olympics Black Team is all smiles after their 1st place finish. Back row: Juan Carrera, Saul Chavez, Adan Contreras (coach), Jorge Huerta, Jesus Lopez, Jose Ugalde, Joanne Betke (interpreter); front row: Enrique Aguirre, Kevin O’Connor, Tyriq Watts.
Photo 2: Special Olympics team members sporting ear warmers specially made for them by the Hinsdale South Yarning for a Cause Club.

The Hinsdale South High School Special Olympics Black Team won first place at the state basketball tournament. Nearly 1,600 Special Olympics athletes from across the state competed at the tournament held this past weekend at Illinois State University in Bloomington.

The Special Olympics Black team advanced to state after winning the area regional tournament hosted by Unity Jr. High in January. The Black Team took first in its division, winning against Proviso Area for Exceptional Children (PAEC) and Argo.

“We had an amazing and victorious weekend,” said Coach Adam Contreras. “We came together as a team and achieved our goal. Hard work and dedication by all paid off for the Hornets. I’m extremely proud of them. Go Hornets!”

Special Olympics coordinator and deaf and hard of hearing teacher Kathy Craig echoed Coach Contreras, “We’re so proud of all of our teams. All the kids put a lot of effort into practicing and they performed really well over the entire season. The Black Team worked well together, especially after losing some key players last year. They deserve to be recognized for their athletic ability and teamwork. Winning at State is a huge honor. It’s our first trip in four years.”

All the Special Olympics teams competed at the regional level tournaments in January. The Hinsdale South Gold Team placed third in regionals and the Transition team, composed of students ages 18 to 22 who attend the D86 Transition Center or the DHH transition Center, took second place in their division at regionals.

All three teams have competed in over 15 games throughout the year against other high schools and special recreation associations in the area.

Earlier in the season, the Yarning for a Cause Club presented to the Hinsdale South Special Olympics teams and their coaches ear warmers. Each athlete was presented with the official color ear warmer made by students involved in the yarning club.

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