Middletown HS unified tennis goes to state
MIDDLETOWN, Md. — Over the years, Middletown High School has formed a tennis team with students from the special education program and students in general education. This year, at the unified tennis state tournament, MHS placed third.
Colin McCann, teacher at MHS and coach of the unified tennis team, provided an inside look on their climb to States.
“So, there were district tournaments with the county top three teams going to States,” McCann said. “We had practice two times a week, starting with warming up, then skills like working on serving, playing matches, and working on our placement on the court.”
McCann said he was interested in coaching the unified tennis team because, when he first started his education career, he worked in special education.
“It’s also just a great opportunity for students to come together with different backgrounds and abilities,” he said.
United tennis is scored differently than regular tennis. Rather than points, players are judged based on player evaluation and different skill levels.
One of the team’s leaders in the special education program, Dom Goline, spoke of his experience playing tennis. “My favorite part about being a team leader is encouraging other players, though my favorite part of the States were the snacks during break.”
“The Special Olympics sponsor the state tournament and they make everyone feel like winners,” McCain said.
Even though MHS did not place first, they intend to play even harder next year.
Goline said, “If we win next year, I hope there will be fireworks.”
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