As students gathered at the high school track, a hum of enthusiasm fell over the crowd. The Unified Sports track meet began at 9 a.m. on March 19, and athletes showed excitement to perform well in their events by warming up and talking with their teammates. Prior to the events starting, Special Education Teacher and Resource Specialist Phillip Reid presented each athlete with their own AGHS blue and gold jersey. As the morning went on, more athletes from San Luis Obispo High School (SLOHS), Nipomo High School (NHS), and Pioneer Valley High School (PVHS) arrived at the track in their own jerseys and joined in on the events.
AGHS student volunteers helped run the events and keep track of athletes’ scores. Unified Sports athletes had the option to participate in one, multiple, or even all of the events. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, there were competitions in shot put (softball throw), long jump, 100m dash, and a four-by-one relay.
The event was a group effort to arrange, but the sole organizer of the event was Phillip Reid. One of the main resources that he tapped into to organize the event was a club that he advises on campus: Hangout Club. Students involved in this club make significant efforts to ensure that all students on campus feel included. President of the club, Banyan Wentzel, received a special shout out from Reid for being especially helpful.
“I want to make an impact,” Reid said.“I like to advocate for people… This is an opportunity for everyone to feel included.”
With the melding of athletes, student volunteers, and spectators, inclusion was ever-present throughout the event.
“I like that it’s not competitive,” Unified Sports-Athlete Brodi Johnson (‘25) said.
Athletes participating in the events had constant smiles on their faces and were excited to see their friends doing well, too.
AGHS students and staff filled the bleachers to watch the events and cheered the entire time. Students held up signs such as “You Got This” and “Almost There” to encourage the athletes. Some even had blue and gold pom poms to shake in the air during exciting moments.
Other valuable individuals on the track during this event were the special education paraeducators supporting their athletes. Filled with positivity and quick wit, these paraeducators were incredible assets to the track meet. Many of them were seen taking photos of their students competing, laughing with other people there, and encouraging the athletes to do their best.
“I love all these kids and seeing smiles on their faces while doing something they don’t normally get to do,” said Special Education Paraeducator Michelle Benson.
As the student-athletes took their turns throwing, jumping, and running, student volunteers or “buddies” also threw their hats into the ring. The inclusive event paired special education students and their buddies for more people to feel included and involved in school activities.
A team that stood out however was PVHS; their team wasn’t simply Unified Sports athletes and their buddies, but one of the school’s CIF track teams. PVHS track teams (JV and varsity) are composed of both Unified Sports athletes and other athletes.
“We treat our Unified Sports athletes just like the rest [of our athletes],” said PVHS Track Coach and Special Education Coordinator Ben Alberry.
The Unified Sports track meet hosted by AGHS was a day focused on inclusion, excitement, and school spirit. Congratulations to all student-athletes who participated!
