Schuylkill County Special Olympics hosting reemerging sport this year

Jan. 25—FRACKVILLE — Local Special Olympics athletes took part in a series of floor hockey drills Tuesday, preparing for the rigorous season ahead.

At the team's practice at Frackville Borough Hall, the floor hockey players got together for one of their final meetings before their first competition — an invitational Feb. 4 at Susquenita School District.

Floor hockey is a reemerging sport in the Schuylkill County Special Olympics program, which competes in the Greater Lehigh Valley-Pocono Region of Special Olympics Pennsylvania. After an eight-year hiatus, athletes expressed an interest in the program's return, so it was included in this year's lineup, according to head coach Kassy Oertner.

Oertner said the athletes have been "very intense" and "aggressive" during their meetings, always focused on competing.

The floor hockey team consists of 13 players from Berks and Schuylkill counties.

"They're doing very well, and I'm really excited for the competitions," Oertner said.

Program Director Chris Ebling said the Schuylkill County Special Olympics program has drawn wide interest in recent years, which he attributes to community outreach and word-of-mouth enthusiasm.

"We've had a huge interest in the growth of the program," he said.

Because of this outpouring of interest, Ebling said, the program has been able to field teams for previously inactive sports, such as floor hockey and volleyball. He said that 20 new members have joined the program over the past year.

He added that several local schools and businesses have also lent their support to the program, taking part in events with the Special Olympics teams.

To participate in a Special Olympics sport, an athlete must be at least 8 years old.

Ebling said the program is run entirely by volunteers and that all athletes receive their equipment, uniforms and other items free of charge.

At Tuesday's practice, the floor hockey players took turns participating in solo drills and exercises. They moved adroitly, maneuvering their way around the court and taking shots at the net.

Chris Boyer, 34, of Reading, joined the Schuylkill County team because the program in his native Berks County does not have a floor hockey team this year.

Boyer, a six-year veteran of the Berks team, has enjoyed practicing with his new teammates.

"We're looking good right now for practice," he said. "I like (the Schuylkill County program) very much. There's a lot of great athletes and coaches."

Hannah Tervo, 21, of Schuylkill Haven, decided to give floor hockey a try when she heard the program was returning this year.

A member of the basketball, softball and volleyball teams, Tervo enjoys the chance to visit different schools and facilities for competitions, as well as the opportunity to meet new people.

The floor hockey season will culminate in a state championship in York on March 4 and 5.

Other sports

Another Special Olympics team, volleyball, returned to the program about two years ago after several years on hiatus.

Led by head coach Susan Troxell, the team competed in many events during its most recent season, including the Eastern Fall Sectional at DeSales University, followed by Fall Fest, a three-day regional competition hosted at Villanova University.

Troxell is also the head coach for the bowling team, which has been part of the Schuylkill County program for more than 15 years.

Looking ahead, the Schuylkill County Special Olympics will begin its inaugural golf season in March.

Practices will begin in the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 in Mar Lin, then will move to the White Birch Golf Course in Barnesville when the weather gets warmer. Oertner's husband, Steven, will serve as head coach.

Another new sport will be athletics, also known as track and field. Members of the athletics program will participate in shot put, distance running and other track and field events. Ebling said the sport is a "work-in-progress" and that details have yet to be determined.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Schuylkill County Special Olympics or registering an athlete can contact schcountyso@gmail.com or message the program's Facebook page.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085