Go Army!

Last Saturday October 17th South East took a group to Michie Stadium at West Point to watch the Army West Point Black Knights take on the Bucknell Bisons. The weather was absolutely perfect football weather and for lunch we got to enjoy football stadium staples, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken finger with fries and giant salted pretzels. Everyone had a great time and the Black Knights won 21-14! Go Army!

West Point Special Olympics Spring Games

The flag was flying overhead early Saturday morning as a crisp wind blew off the Hudson. First light illuminated the athletes gradually appearing on the sprawling West Point campus. Like stars slowly appearing at dusk, first one or two, then a handful and then, seemingly in an instant, blanketing the night sky.

The day marked the 2015 Special Olympics Spring games at West Point Military academy. An event highlighted as much by the athleticism and unwavering spirit of the participants as by the pomp and circumstance rolled out from West Point cadets and commanding officers. Swimmers, sprinters, shot putters, javelin throwers and relay teams from all over the State met to engage in the sacred tradition of the Olympic competition.

First the parade of athletes; Teams assembled in tight formation to march around the track as scores of cadets, friends and family members roared in approval. The Sharks were resplendent, replete in full team regalia, American flag pins secured tightly to their costumes and flags sporting 50 stars, 50 stripes and the red , white and blue flapping proudly in the wind. We are Sharks and we are patriots.

Opening ceremonies continued with the national anthem, dedications to soldiers lost in foreign conflicts, recognition of our athletes, all ending with a spectacular sky diving show from the West Point jump team. With the sound of the horn the Spring 2015 games had begun.

The Sharks took to the water quickly with purpose. They had been training all season for this apex event and it showed. Shark team members dominated in every event they entered- 25 meters, 50 meters, backstroke, breast stroke and topped off the day with an all Sharks relay race.

There cannot be enough said about the cadets who were paired up with our athletes. The aspiring Army officers took to our Sharks like old friends, encouraging them every step of the way. There was genuine interest in our athletes, families and staff from these young leaders.

Douglas Campbell had a break through day competing and completing the 25 meter and 50 meter freestyle event. The crowd cheered him the entire way through. Ryan Urquhart had an amazing showing sporting some personal best times at the 50 meter free- 38.26 and the 25 meter free- 16.58. Scoring a gold for both races. Swimmer Liam Cadigan also had a fantastic day in the pool by receiving recognition for both his 25 meter backstroke and 25 meter freestyle.

The Sharks rolled up deep to West Point. Toting 24 competing swimmers, the Sharks far exceeded the number of swimmers from any other team there. All 24 swimmers have something to be proud of from this past Saturday. The determination was visible in every event they competed in.  A season of hard work paid off tenfold at West Point.

West Point Swim Meet

Duty, Honor, Country; the words proudly displayed across the West Point Military Academy Swimming pool.  The Sharks swim team attended the 2014 Special Olympics New York Spring Games West competition at West Point on Saturday April 26th.

Nestled along the Hudson River in the Hudson Highlands the West Point Military Academy is an institution steeped in history and tradition. A place the Sharks swim team is honored to be able to swim every year.

Attendees were greeted by an impressive and heart felt show of force from the cadets, who came out to “buddy up” with athletes for the day. “Having a cadet hang out with me for the day is my favorite part of the day,” said Sharks swimmer Carly Horowitz.  As always the cadets were attentive, polite and enthusiastic.

Shortly after the parade of athletes (a triumphant march around the track lined by West Point athletic teams cheering athletes on) the crowd was wowed by an aerial display from the West Point jumpers as they jumped from a chinook helicopter and parachuted with precision right onto the football field.

With our squad of cadets and spirits high the Sharks made the trek up from the stadium to the swimming pools where they would win glory in the water.

Having blown the competition out of the water at White Plains High School in March every athlete was charged with more events and greater distances to master at West Point. A task they accomplished handily.

The Sharks swim team brought home a bounty of gold, silver and bronze medals in events ranging from the 25 meter free style, 50 meter backstroke and 25 meter breast stroke.

When awarded their medals the athletes made their way to the podium where a United States Army colonel in dress regalia presented them with their prize as both posed for the camera.

The West Point meet is a culmination of everything our athletes have been working towards all year. An event we all look forward to. An event the Sharks compete in with duty, honor and country in mind. 

South East Consortium West Point Meet

This past Saturday the Sharks Swim Team made the trip up through the Hudson Valley to West Point Military academy to compete in the aquatics portion of the annual 2013 Spring Games West.

The event, hosted by Special Olympics New York, saw teams from all over the lower Hudson valley and as far away as Long Island competing in aquatic events.

The day started with opening ceremonies at West Point’s Shea Stadium. Each athlete was partnered up with a West Point cadet volunteer. The cadets escorted the Sharks around the field during the parade of athletes prior to the torch lighting ceremony. Our cadets followed us to the swimming pool facility where they continued their spirited support.

The Sharks dominated in both single events and team relays. Athletes competed in various events including the 25 meter free, 50 meter free, 100 meter free, 50 meter breast stroke, and 50 meter back stroke. Relays included the 25 meter free and 50 meter free.

Athletes who participated in the 4x50 meter relay placed 1^st in an exciting, down to the wire dash to the finish. Those athletes included Andrew Myers, Gianfranco Siciliano, Matthew Teator and Jakob Supranowitz.

Other medalists included Liam Cadigan who grabbed his first gold medal for his efforts in the 25 meter backstroke. The Sharks showed a strong presence in the 25 meter breast stroke. Something they had been working very hard on at practice. All preformed beautifully.

All athletes broke their personal bests in time in at least one event. Overall a successful day for all participants.