Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall & Starke Counties head to State Tournament for fall season finale

Marshall & Starke Counties, Indiana — Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall & Starke Counties is wrapping up an exciting Fall Season with a strong presence at this weekend’s State Tournament in Westfield on October 4th.

Athletes who earned Gold medals at recent Cornhole Sectional competitions will be representing Marshall & Starke Counties at the State Tournament, while the county’s Flag Football and Distance Run/Walk athletes will also compete at Grand Park.

Cornhole Corn Dawgs Head to State

Cornhole emerged as a standout sport this year, drawing enthusiastic participation and tremendous community support. Practices were held at Church of the Heartland in Plymouth and Plymouth High School, with Sectionals taking place on September 20th at Caston High School.

Following the Sectional competition, eleven local teams earned the opportunity to advance to the State Tournament.

Athletes competing in State Cornhole include:

• Matthew Dillon & Jared Holt
• Brittney Riffle & Asher Short
• Aerial Neidig & Laryn St. Germain
• Emily Kipper & Heidi Yager
• Denise Cole & Michael Wise
• Nichole Clever & Debra Kuhn
• David Renz & Ryan Robbins
• David Akers & Conor Allen
• Unified Team: Garrett Hooper & Todd Hooper
• Unified Team: Albert Rose & TJ Trusty
• Unified Team: Ellen Ake & Becky Garbison

The Cornhole Corn Dawgs have been coached throughout the season by Rhonda Owens and Todd Hooper, whose dedication and support have helped the athletes prepare for the State competition.

Thundercats Return to State for Flag Football

The county’s Flag Football team, the Thundercats, will also head to State this weekend. The program is entering its third season in Marshall & Starke Counties and continues to grow under the leadership of coaches Justin Parker and Russell Wilson.

Practices have been held at Hard Knox Gym in Knox and Culver Community High School, where athletes have trained twice a week to develop their skills, teamwork, and game strategy.

Flag Football is one of the Special Olympics sports that requires coaches to complete specialized certification. Coaches Parker and Wilson demonstrated their commitment to the program by traveling to Indianapolis to complete their Flag Football certification, helping ensure the athletes receive knowledgeable instruction and support.

This season, nine local athletes have qualified for the State Flag Football Tournament. The Thundercats have worked hard throughout the season and are ready to represent Marshall & Starke Counties at the State competition.

Distance Run/Walk Makes Its Debut

Marshall & Starke Counties also introduced a new Fall sport this year — Distance Run/Walk.

The new program is coached by Tammie Radican and Holly Parker and provides athletes with another opportunity to participate in an inclusive sport while building endurance, confidence, and healthy habits.

Competing at Grand Park in Westfield on October 4th will be:

• Ian Radican, with Unified Partner Tammie Radican
• Connor Parker, with Unified Partner Kylie Parker
• Christian Radican

The addition of Distance Run/Walk expands the variety of year-round athletic opportunities available to athletes throughout Marshall & Starke Counties.

“This weekend marks the culmination of months of dedication, sportsmanship, and teamwork,” said Jackie Ziaja, County Coordinator. “Our athletes have worked incredibly hard, and we’re so proud to see them represent Marshall & Starke Counties on the state stage. We are also excited about the growth of our programs and the addition of Distance Run/Walk this year.”

The Fall State Tournament brings together athletes from across Indiana for a weekend filled with competition, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and celebration of ability.

About Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall & Starke Counties

Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall & Starke Counties provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Through sports, athletes gain confidence, build friendships, develop skills, and experience the joy of competition.

The success of these programs would not be possible without the dedication of our coaches, Unified Partners, volunteers, families, and community supporters.

For more information, follow Special Olympics Indiana – Marshall & Starke Counties on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SOINMarshallStarke.

Corn Hole: L to R:  Ellen Ake, Matt Dillon, Becky Garbison, Garrett Hooper, Nichole Clever, Conor Allen, Ryan Robbins, David Akers, Denise Cole, David Renz, TJ Trusty, Heidi Yager, Michael Wise, Debra Kuhn, Jared Holt, Asher Short, Albert Rose, Brittney Riffle, Emily Kipper, Coach Todd Hooper, Coach Rhonda Owens, Laryn St. Germain, Aerial Neidig
Flag Football L to R:  13- Bobby Bunting, Coach Justin Parker, Xavier Lawrence, 17-Mariah Leininger, Roger Stoner, Cash Little, Jaiden Wade, Donald Shaffer, Derick Purvis, Coach Russel Wilson