Local Special Olympics’ Flag Football teams end season with success!

Two teams from the Parents and Teachers of Exceptional Children (PTOEC) Special Olympics Flag Football program based in Belleville ended their successful seasons this last weekend. They ended it playing in their first ever Special Olympics Flag Football regional tournament in Trenton on 1 November.  Special Olympics are looking at making Flag Football a sanctioned sport for the state in this upcoming year. Players came from surrounding communities as far away as Columbia, Highland and Marissa to play flag football.

Let’s take a quick look at the two team’s accomplishments this season.  They went to three tournaments during the season; Missouri in September, another in Chicago in October, and the last tournament in Trenton for November. They began practicing the first Saturday in July and ended this last weekend.   Justice I won two championships (Missouri and Trenton) and a third place finish in the top division in Chicago.  Justice II finished with two championships (Missouri and Chicago) and was one play away of possibly securing a third one in Trenton.  Justice II went to overtime but failed to score on their last play from scrimmage.  They will remember Chicago because it was typical winter weather for the two day tournament. The biggest and greatest accomplishment for the players was scoring.  Almost every one of the 24 members of the program scored during the season.

Justice I included Anthony Cahoon, Todd Downing, Edward Flexter, Jason Gass, Michael Perrine, Ryan Reinier, Corey Stein,  Nathan Schwartz, Stacey Morgan,  and Travis Skiles.

Justice II included Christian Aubuchon, Jordan Derossett, Kenneth Dowdy, Kelsey Elder, Jennifer Harper, Bradley George, Dusty Kolb, Ian Kukorala , Tyler McDaniel,  Alison Roehrig, Kristine Shields, Jonathon Skortz and Michael Strohl

The teams celebrated their season on Saturday at the Dairy King in Trenton.  They each received a tournament shirt.

PTOEC wants to thank the Football training staff.  Week after week since the first week in July they dedicated their time.  They were Mascoutah’s Rich Crothers, Freeburg’s Bob Kolb, Belleville’s Rich Peppers, James Korba, Ken Skiles, Columbia’s Floyd Schwartz, and Highland’s Kenneth Dowly.   They also have to thank Mascoutah High School football team and coaches for coming out and assisting them.  The team’s success would have not been achieved if it was not for them!!!!

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