Sports

Lyons Township High Special Olympics Team Takes Gold

It's the basketball team's first gold medal in 21 years.

Left to right, front row: Ms. Brancheau, Tyler Deck, Andrew Delao, Julian Jasso, Dillon Pusatera, Josiah Santana, Tommy Van Eekeren
Back row: Coach Klimes, Ms. Schuetz, Conor Mulcahy, Iqui Balam Nogueda-Nunez, Ryan Schwartz, Coach Dominelli
Left to right, front row: Ms. Brancheau, Tyler Deck, Andrew Delao, Julian Jasso, Dillon Pusatera, Josiah Santana, Tommy Van Eekeren Back row: Coach Klimes, Ms. Schuetz, Conor Mulcahy, Iqui Balam Nogueda-Nunez, Ryan Schwartz, Coach Dominelli (Courtesy of Lyons Township High School Special Olympics Team)

BLOOMINGTON, IL – The Lyons Township High School Special Olympics basketball team won the gold medal and the state championship Saturday.

The competition was held at Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal. This victory is especially meaningful because it is the first gold medal for LT in 21 years, and only the third in school history (1995, 2005, and now 2026).

"This team truly left everything on the court. Their success did not come easily — it came from dedication, teamwork, and heart," a news release said. "The athletes practiced outside of their scheduled practices, spent extra time building their skills, and formed a strong bond as teammates. Their commitment to one another and their determination to improve each day ultimately earned them this championship. These athletes represent the very best of high school sports: perseverance, sportsmanship, and pride in their school."

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