It has been an incredibly busy and exciting fall season for Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall-Starke County, with seven sports running consecutively and athletes continuing to demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, determination, and enthusiasm.
This season has been especially exciting as the county program introduced three brand-new sports: Girls FIBA 3x3 Unified Basketball, Golf, and Distance Run/Walk.
With athletes competing every week, Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County has seen tremendous participation and growth across the program.
The team had an outstanding showing, bringing home 37 medals — 16 gold, 15 silver, and 6 bronze across individual and team events.
Marshall & Starke County Equestrian Medalists:
- Christian Radican — 🥇 5 Gold
- Ryan Robbins — 🥇 1 Gold, 🥈 2 Silver
- Jared Holt — 🥇 1 Gold, 🥉 1 Bronze
- April McGuire — 🥇 1 Gold, 🥈 4 Silver
- Asher Short — 🥇 1 Gold, 🥈 1 Silver
- Cash Little — 🥇 2 Gold, 🥈 2 Silver, 🥉 2 Bronze
- Ian Radican — 🥇 2 Gold, 🥈 1 Silver, 🥉 1 Bronze
- Emma Bradley — 🥇 1 Gold, 🥈 2 Silver, 🥉 2 Bronze
- David Akers — 🥇 2 Gold, 🥈 1 Silver
The official state results show Marshall & Starke County athletes earning first-, second-, and third-place finishes in events including Showmanship, Western Riding, Western Trail, Team Relay, Spoon Race, Flags, Pole Bending, Barrel Race, and other competitions.
The team included:
- Mariah Leininger
- Juniper Masterson
- Kasey Jones
- Unified Partner Tammy San Nicolas
- Unified Partner Jackie Ziaja
Coached by Joe Short, the team finished an impressive 3rd Place at its very first FIBA 3x3 Girls Unified Basketball Tournament.
The team’s success is a great example of what can happen when athletes are given new opportunities to compete, grow, and represent their community.
Softball Teams Headed Toward State Competition
The Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County Softball Skills Team will compete this Saturday in Mishawaka at the Area 1 Sectional Competition, with a chance to advance to the State Softball Tournament in Greenwood.
Representing Special Olympics Indiana, Marshall-Starke County will be:
- Xavier Lawrence
- Aleaha Myers-Stiles
- Donald Shaffer
- Heidi Yager
The team is coached by Tina Downey and Bobby Hodge.
Meanwhile, the Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County Wildcats Softball Team received a bye and will advance directly to the State Softball Tournament in Greenwood on September 12.
The Wildcats roster includes:
Bobby Bunting, Dalton Dimmitt, Brandon Head, Mariah Leininger, Cash Little, Juniper Masterson, Christian Radican, Brittney Riffle, Arabellah Rollings, Roger Stoner, Lucas Thangam, Jaiden Wade, and Thomas White.
The Wildcats are coached by Rhonda Owens and Noel Soria.
The Unified Golf team will compete at Moss Creek Golf Course in Winamac, IN this Sunday, with athletes competing for an opportunity to advance to the State Tournament in Greenwood on September 13.
Competing for Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County will be:
- Jeffrey Marlow and Unified Partner James Marlow
- Lucas Thangam and Unified Partner Andre Thangam
- Asher Short and Unified Partner Joe Short
Thomas Hayes is competing as an individual golfer and will advance directly to the State Tournament.
The Golf team is coached by James Marlow and Andre Thangam.
Distance Run/Walk — Another First for the Program
Distance Run/Walk is also making its debut this year as a Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County sport.
The team will travel to Grand Park in Westfield on October 4 for the State Competition.
Competing in the program’s first season are:
- Connor Parker and Unified Partner Kylie Parker
- Ian Radican and Unified Partner Tammie Radican
- Christian Radican
The Distance Run/Walk team is coached by Tammie Radican and Holly Parker.
Thundercats Flag Football Continues Strong Season
The Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County Thundercats Flag Football Team has already competed in multiple tournaments this season, including the St. Joseph County Tournament in Mishawaka and the Cody Harris Triple Threat Memorial Tournament at Mississinewa High School.
The team will compete at the State Competition in Westfield on October 4.
The Thundercats roster includes:
Bobby Bunting, Gavin Gordon, Xavier Lawrence, Mariah Leininger, Cash Little, Derick Purvis, Donald Shaffer, Roger Stoner, and Jaiden Wade.
The team is coached by Justin Parker, Russell Wilson, and Michael Ockrim.
Largest Cornhole Team in Program History
The Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County Corndogs Cornhole Team is also having a record-breaking season.
With sectionals coming up at Caston High School on September 20, the Corndogs are preparing for their opportunity to advance to the State Competition in Westfield on October 4.
This year’s Cornhole team is the largest in Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County history.
Athletes and partners competing in sectionals include:
- Tom Cripe & Jodi Lowdenslager
- Caelan Barney & Susan Renz
- Britney Riffle & Asher Short
- Emily Kipper & Heidi Yager
- Denise Cole & Michael Wise
- Jared Holt & Matt Dillon
- Laryn St. Germain & Aerial Neidig
- Mike Atkosh & Todd Rininger
- Troy Fish & Don France
- Joyce Gerard & Samantha Skains
- Rebecca Jackson & Christie Johnson
- Valerie Luby & Gail Shaffer
- Nicole Clever & Debra Kuhn
- David Akers & Conor Allen
- Ryan Robbins & David Renz
- Jeffrey Marlow & Steven Reece
The Unified teams include:
- Michael Peckler & Unified Partner Joe Short
- Garrett Hooper & Unified Partner Todd Hooper
- TJ Trusty & Unified Partner Albert Rose
- Ellen Ake & Unified Partner Becky Garbison
- Connor Morton & Unified Partner Amanda Graham
The Corndogs are coached by Rhonda Owens and Todd Hooper.
A Season of Growth, Opportunity and Sportsmanship
With seven sports running consecutively, three of them brand new to the county program, this fall has been one of the busiest seasons in the history of Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County.
More importantly, the program’s leadership says the excitement goes far beyond wins and medals.
The athletes have continued to show outstanding sportsmanship, determination, teamwork, and a willingness to try new things. From getting on a horse for the first time, to taking the golf course, running their first distance event, or competing in a brand-new format of basketball, athletes throughout Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County continue to show what is possible when they are given the opportunity.
“We have been incredibly busy, but we couldn’t be more excited about how this season is going,” said Joe Short, Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County Asst. Coordinator. “The growth of our program, the addition of these new sports, and most importantly, the sportsmanship our athletes are showing has been phenomenal. We are extremely proud of every athlete, coach, Unified Partner, volunteer, family member, and supporter who has helped make this season possible.”
Want to Get Involved?
If you have been watching what Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County is doing and would like to become involved, the program will have representatives at:
Knox Library
Tuesday, September 8
5:00–7:00 p.m. CT
Whether you are interested in volunteering, coaching, becoming a Unified Partner, supporting an athlete, or simply learning more about the program, the Special Olympics team would love to meet you.
The community can also follow Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall-Starke County on Facebook to see photos, updates, competition results, and upcoming events.
Annual Chicken & Pulled Pork Dinner
The program will also host its Annual Chicken & Pulled Pork Dinner on September 26 at the Knights of Columbus in Plymouth.
The event will help support the Special Olympics Indiana Marshall-Starke County program and its athletes throughout the year.
For more information about getting involved, upcoming events, or supporting the program, contact:
Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall-Starke County
P.O. Box 1104
Plymouth, IN 46563
Email: MarshallStarkeSO@gmail.com
Phone: 574-935-0513
Facebook: SOINMarshallStarke
About Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall-Starke County
Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall-Starke County provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Through sports, competition, Unified programs, and community involvement, the program works to create opportunities for athletes to develop confidence, friendships, teamwork, and lifelong skills.
The Special Olympics Indiana: Marshall-Starke County program is proud of its athletes, proud of its coaches, and proud of the community that continues to support them.
If you would like more information or want to become involved with Special Olympics, please email us at marshallstarkeso@gmail.com, call us at 574-935-0513, and visit our Facebook page for current events, news, and upcoming fundraisers.
Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. Special Olympics Authorized Research and Training Program.
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