Sports are a significant part of the high school experience. The Unified Sports program gives every student the opportunity to be an athlete.

So far, the program has offered basketball and flag football; this season, track and field was introduced. Unified Sports consists of two types of players: athletes (Special Education students) and partners.

“To be a partner, you don’t have to be an athlete in other sports,” Unified Sports director Nora Boettcher said. The partners consist of a wide range of students; some play sports regularly, while others never have. On the track team, there are 12 athletes and 11 partners.

“To me, the partners really drive the whole thing,” Boettcher said. “We want partners who want to do it for fitness, but also to know that they are giving an opportunity for the athletes to play and build friendships.”

Partners are not exclusive to members of Puma Pals, but Boettcher said that most partners join the club after getting to know the students.To become a partner, no tryout is required; anyone can join by talking to Boettcher. Some partners joined by suggestion from other members.”The partners that I know are trustworthy, great kids and are handpicking others,” Boettcher said.

The team trains regularly for upcoming meets. Athlete Michael McHetz said that partners help him run faster by supporting and encouraging him. Some of the events they practice are the 4×100, 4×200, 100-meter dash, shot put, and long jump.

“I like the track and being with my friends,” athlete Bobby Zapf said. Unified Sports first began nearly a year ago. Since then, Boettcher has noticed that all the SPED students – athletes or not – have a new sense of belonging. Athletes have ownership of their own sport and their own team; those that do not play have a close connection to the team and cheer on their friends.

“For the first time, they understand what school spirit means,” Boettcher said.