Darke County Special Olympics Competes at State Basketball Tournament

Darke County Special Olympics Dawgs and Slammers team members at the 2013 Special Olympics Ohio State Basketball Tournament

This year Darke County Special Olympics had three basketball teams: (2) adult: Warriors, Dawgs, (1) school-age: Slammers. This is the 18th season to have teams each playing a regular (10) game season schedule and then entering the state tournament playoffs with sectional and state level competitions. The Warriors and Slammers have been around for all 18 years. This is the 1st year to have a 3rd team, Dawgs. The expansion to (3) teams this year was to accommodate all the players who wanted to be part of the program.

The Special Olympics Ohio State Basketball Tournament was held in Columbus March 22nd-23rd. The Dawgs and Slammers each won at the sectional tournament level to earn their birth to State as a final four team. The state tournament included a semi-final game and consolation or championship game in their respective divisions.

The Dawgs competed in Mens Division III and are State Champs (Gold Medal).
The Slammers competed in School-Age Division II and are State Runner-Up(Silver Medal).
The Dawgs made their first trip to state in their first year of existance. And this is the 8th trip for the Slammers to the state tournament in 18 seasons with two state titles in ’08 and ’10.

2013 Dawgs: Players; Bill Brandewie, Devin Billenstein, Caleb Knick, Nick Meade, Dan Bruner, Toby Winner, Matt Forsythe, Jeremy Monnin, Robert Staver, Stewart Spille, Coaches; Cindy Rose, Ron Mescher, Gary Knick, Troy Winner

2013 Slammers: Players; JJ Staver, Kyle Eichelberger, Sheyenne Shimp, Derrick Hemmelgarn, Morgan Shepard, Travis Emrick, Dan Mathis, Ryan Burnett, Ashley Mullins, Casper Younker, Anthony Draving, Jesse Younker, Coaches; Cindy Rose, Krysten Wilson

Basketball is just one of many programs offered through the Darke County Special Olympics program. Others include softball, swimming, cheerleading for basketball, bowling, and the local track and field event. All programs are funded by local donations. All donations made directly to Darke County Special Olympics stay in Darke County to support our local athletes.

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