Middle School Athletes with special needs are the Walton County team Wolverines. On Saturday, September 24, 2016, the Wolverines won the championship in the Eighth Annual Battle of the Bats, in the Modified Baseball Division at the Forsyth Special Olympic Games. Coached by Walker Park Elementary P.E. coach Robert Jackson, the Wolverines won their first game against a Cobb County team.
Dario Glenn with Coach Jackson
Last year, the Wolverines placed third in the tournament. After the first bracket win this year, the Wolverines faced last year's winner from Henry County. Though the Henry County team gained a victory in the second bracket, the Wolverines were not discouraged. In bracket three, the Wolverines won against the same Cobb County team from bracket one. In their fourth straight game in 90 degree temperatures, the Wolverines faced the team from Henry County once again. With excitement that almost could not be contained, the Wolverines fought hard and claimed a victory against the Henry County Blue Dogs.
Coach Jackson with players Malachi Sugars, Daniel Schussler, and Brianna Babb for the final game coin toss
Still hot and tired, (first base) Coach told the team, "If you win this game, you get to pour ice water on Coach. If you lose, he gets to pour water on you!" The Wolverines rode the wave of their last win into their fifth straight game. They won 14 to 4 in the championship game.
Back row from right: Raeqwon Lackey, Lexi Gamble, Coach Rex Morris, Andrew Caldwell, Quadarious Lackey, Avanta Evans, Coach Robert Jackson, Damien Alley, Caleb Hoskins, Coach Dennis Hoskins, (first base Coach) Front row from right: Dario Glenn, Brianna Babb, Naomi Green, Daniel Schussler, Christian Pettus, Malachi Sugars
After receiving the blessing of the ice, Coach Jackson declared, "I'm twenty degrees cooler!" Coach then preceded to give free hugs to his team.
The team is made up of mainly students from Carver Middle School, but also includes a student who is home schooled and a student from The Bridge of Georgia.
The team would like to thank Coach Jackson, Coach Dennis Hoskins, Coach (I don't know the first base coach's name), Coach Rex Morris, Player Coordinator Carla Gates, Snackman Curtis Pettus, driver Mr. Smalley, Walton County Special Olympic Chair Kim Wages, Walton County Special Olympics Supporters, and all the family and friends who cheered!
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