PERFORMANCE WITH A PURPOSE

Unified Track Team Is Unifying Hse One Meet At A Time

Unified Track is an exciting sport here at HSE. Unified Track allows both peers and athletes in the exceptional learners’ classes to participate in various track events. From relays to sprints to long jump, unified track offers a variety of events for the peers and athletes to compete in. The positive and inclusive environment made for a fun 2022-2023 season. The team competes against surrounding Unified Track teams in the area. The team started strong with their mudsock meet against Fishers High School and continued to compete against schools until the end of the school year. Junior Gabby Dodridge is a part of the Unified Track team.

“The thing I love most about unified track is the people in it,” Dodridge said. “People should join unified track if they’re looking for a super fun way to remain active and create strong friendships.”

During the Unified Track season, Dodridge competes in shot put and the 4x100M relay.

“The thing about this season that has made it stand out is our new coach,” Dodridge said. “Mr. Moosbrugger has worked so well with our other coach, Mrs. Scheske, to make it a memorable season.”

Having a Unified Track team at HSE is important for so many reasons. It promotes inclusion, positivity, and provides a fun environment for peers and athletes to display their athletic talents.

“Unified Sports provide a lane for so many students that previously was not available,” Moosbrugger said. “Giving each of these students the opportunity to represent the Royals the best way they can is so important.”

When he is not teaching art classes here at HSE, Daniel Moosbrugger works alongside special ed teacher Lauryn Scheske to run the Unified Track team.

“While this is my first-year coaching, I have heard a lot about how more and more students are wanting to become involved in the various sports,” Moosbrugger said. “I have walked into the greatest group students, coaches, and leaders out there. Hard to top this group.”

This season, Unified Track was able to grow and thrive because of the increased number of people involved. With weekly practices, the team prepared and ready to face other schools this season.

“I think my favorite part is the consistent positive interactions we get to see between all team members,” Moosbrugger said. “There’s good healthy competition amongst them, but they all handle it with incredible class.”

With the effort put in by their coaches and the positive energy brought by both athletes and peers, the 22-23 Unified Track season has been a success and continues to positively impact on our school. Story by Nicole Mathenge. Photos contributed.