Special education students get opportunity to compete at Augusta High School

AUGUSTA, Kan. (KSNW) – Athletes are hitting the court with the Tri-County Athletic League.

The program is in several Kansas schools. It’s for students with developmental disabilities who otherwise may not have the chance to compete.

“In basketball, it’s a big game,” special education student athlete Tanner Ashley said.

A game that Tanner Ashley has fallen in love with.

The Unified P.E. program at Augusta High School just started last semester and already they’ve grown their fan base.

“It was a lot of work to try to figure out a way to get this unified program off the ground,” Augusta High School P.E. teacher Dawson Elliott said.

P.E. teacher Dawson Elliott advocated to bring in the Tri-County Athletic League program. It required buy-in from the school board, students in special education, and general ed students to ref and coach.

“We didn’t have any idea how big of an impact it was going to be,” Elliott said.

A benefit that goes beyond playing a game.

“Right now, you just see their growth. Like they’re way more open. One student never even spoke at all now, and now she’s like queen bee of the class,” Elliott said.

Passion from all participating, like Caleb Martin–a student coach.

“I just hope everybody sees that these kids are not any different from anyone else,” student coach Caleb Martin said.

“That’s like the biggest achievement of the class is being accepted and them getting the sports experience that every other student gets,” Elliott said,

It’s a win, no matter what the scoreboard says.

There will be a tournament on March 22 with all the Tri-County Athletic League teams where the winner will be named champion.