Meet the Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics Team
There’s a new team in town…Inspired by a group of passionate parents and led by dedicated staff, the Huntley Hurricanes is Huntley 158’s first Special Olympics team! The team is comprised of eight middle school students (see names below) and is led by Marlowe staff and head coach, Carly Smith, and Martin staff and assistant coach, Jennifer Slad. The team formed in the fall and has been practicing weekly after school at Marlowe Middle School since mid-February. The team is preparing for its first regional competition on April 14th in the following events: 50m dash, 100m dash, and softball throw.
The Hurricanes participated in the Illinois Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge at Crystal Lake Main Beach in early March and is also planning to participate in the upcoming Don’t Be Fooled by a Disability 5K in Huntley on April 6.
“I am having so much fun coaching our small tight-knit group of athletes,” said coach Carly Smith. “The team has formed a really special bond together during our time even though they come from different classrooms, grades, and ability levels. It has been such a positive addition to the culture and climate of our building, district and community. I am excited to see this grow!”
Sixth grader Jaxson Kudrna said, “My favorite part so far is our cooperation and extreme determination as a team. We all have a lot of kindness in our hearts because all of us are connected in some way to Special Olympics having a disability.”
Huntley Hurricanes team members are: Matthew Erickson, Gabbi Ford, Chase Goering, Parker Goering, Jaxon Kudrna, Luis Martinez, Charlie Michelin and Isaac Casarez-Pacheco. Huntley 158 board president Andy Bittman joined students in some stretching exercises during Special Olympics practice on March 6.
