Athletes conquer an array of challenges in Modesto meet

Teen athletes from all around Modesto gathered at Gregori High School for the championship. Welcoming lines of band members and cheerleaders ushered them past, along with aides pushing wheelchairs and guiding those with walkers or white canes.

The Modesto Metro Conference Challenged Athletics games celebrated its 38th year with great fanfare and spirit Thursday. The home team won the meet and the championship, giving Gregori the perpetual trophy for the next year, but the cheering went on and on for everyone.

“This is just like the biggest game that’s ever been played in this gymnasium,” Gregori Principal Jeff Albritton told the crowd. “We strive to be the best, but we support all our student athletes.”

Parents, friends, peer helpers and gym classes clapped from the bleachers as the teams were announced by the deep voice of campus supervisor Ray Hickman. Athletes were led through “the tunnel,” emerging from under the inflated jaguar and braving another double line of high-fiving teens. A few autistic kids wore headphones to keep the thundering noise at bay.

“It’s an amazing program,” said Enochs High parent Sabrina Hull. “It’s a perfect example of integrating the regular ed population with the special ed population. And as a parent, that’s everything. They want to be a part of the high school experience,” she said.

Nine adapted competitions filled the Gregori gym. Wheelchairs and walkers alike made their way through a slalom course of orange cones. Hockey golf and dropped darts offered low-key sports fare.

Bowling drew crowds. Gregori football cheerleader and challenge athlete Caiti White threw a strike to widespread cheers.

Basketball target throws had the longest lines. Gregori athlete and basketball fan Michael Ferlmann headed to the halfcourt twice with best friend Tyler Janitz, a campus sports standout wearing his highly decorated block letter jacket.

The games Thursday earned athletes a block letter as well, said adapted PE teacher Terri Hollmann. “This is a Modesto Metro Conference sporting event, just like football,” she said. “It’s a way to get that feeling of competition and school pride.”

Parents Kristine Kellogg and David Wedig came to cheer on their son, Erik Kellogg, who had been practicing for the event at home. “It makes (the athletes) feel more included, more involved in the school,” Wedig said. “It’s a great sense of accomplishment,” he said.

“I think it raises awareness. Our kids are capable of a lot more than they know,” Kellogg said.

This story was originally published November 20, 2014 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Athletes conquer an array of challenges in Modesto meet."