Stepping Stones Knights newest area Special Olympics basketball team
By Teri Stein
February 7, 2011
633
Tuscarawas Countys Special Olympics basketball program doubled this year with the addition of the Stepping Stones Knights. Stepping Stones provides specialized residential services to individuals with numerous challenges.
We had just enough guys to have a team, said Todd Marsh, who organized the team. Marsh noted that some of the players on the Knights played for the Tuscarawas County Rockets last year.
They were scattered on the Rockets A, B, and skills teams and we just couldnt get to all the games. We felt we could get more guys to go out if we had our own team.
Its a good first year, said Brenton Whitman, owner of the Stepping Stones program. Theyre doing pretty good and theyre learning. Its something we are going to continue. Whitman added that Stepping Stones is going to have a track team as well. It gives them exercise and keeps them active.
The team is coached by head coach Brian Butler and volunteer Nan Cox. I wanted someone to coach from outside our program because if (the players) have a problem at home, I dont want them to carry it over to basketball, said Whitman.
Its done wonders. It taught them to work together. The whole team concept has really helped, Whitman said. That was the aspect that surprised him the most. The team work came together fast. Its the most impressive thing Ive seen.
Team member Richard Anderson came up with the Knights name. Knights had honor; they were the good guys, said Anderson who added that like knights, We let our skills do the talking.
Anderson enjoys playing basketball. I like that its a team sport. You cant blame one person for losing. It takes a whole team to win.
Todd Phillips has been playing basketball since the age of 13 when his brothers got him started and he also played in high school. I just love it, he said of playing with the Knights. It gets me energized and I can show off my skills.
On Monday, Feb. 14, the Stepping Stones Knights will play the Tuscarawas County Rockets for the first time, at 6:30 p.m., at the Tuscarawas Central Catholic High gymnasium.
Their fans will be able to participate in a blood battle that day. An American Red Cross bloodmobile will be at Starlight School from noon to 5 p.m. to take donations of blood from the Knights and Rockets fans.
Last year, Anderson played for the Rockets so he has friends on his former team. I have some respect for the Rockets, but Im still going to try to beat them, he said, adding that he knows both teams will play their best.
Michael Whitney also played for the Rockets last year and his favorite thing about basketball is winning. I hope we win this game, he said.
The members of the Knights are Michael Whitney, Richard Anderson, Bryan Parker, Todd Phillips, Johnny Peloubet, Chaise Johnson, Zachary Kurtz, Chris Reynolds, Jerry Brugh, Joseph Barkett, Brant Porter, Andy Parcell, and Chris Losey.
Anderson predicts a state championship is ahead for the Knights. I have confidence in my team but its going to be a long hard road.
The Knights home games are played at Claymont Intermediate School in Dennison. Their last remaining home game is March 3 against the Jefferson County All Stars at 6 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend; admission is free and a refreshment stand is available at both the Feb. 14 and March 3 games.
