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Barrington celebrates Special Olympics basketball state champs

Barrington High School's Special Olympics basketball team enjoyed the spotlight in a celebration of a second consecutive state championship.

Volunteer coach Mark Reinhard's squad was formally recognized this week by the Barrington Area Unit School District 220 board, whose president, Brian Battle, spoke for many in his remarks to the team.

"The entire Barrington community is very proud to have you representing our community," Battle said.

Barrington reached the Special Olympics final four in Division 1 basketball in March. Playing in the Horton Fieldhouse at Illinois State University, the Broncos topped Hinsdale Central High School 31-18 in the title game.

In 2016, Barrington High nabbed the championship by beating Willowbrook High School 47-35.

As they were urged to make it a three-peat in 2018, the players were introduced to the school board and exchanged handshakes and high-fives. They gathered with District 220 officials for a group photograph with the state title trophy.

"Champions. Excellent," District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris said with a smile and thumbs-up as he spoke to a player who stood behind him in the picture, a gold medal hanging from his neck.

Anne Coupe, whose son, Chandler, is on the basketball squad, thanked District 220 special education teacher Shandra Nosal for launching Barrington's Special Olympics program. Nosal also is a Special Olympics Illinois athletic director.

Coupe said the players have learned valuable lessons from Reinhard, such as how to look out for each other on the basketball court.

"I have to tell you, what it's done for our kids is beyond believable," Coupe said.

Reinhard said the community support for Barrington High's Special Olympics basketball has been impressive. A strong contingent of Barrington fans traveled to Arlington Heights for a February game with John Hersey High School, which has become an annual, rotating event.

"We celebrate the fact they're doing the best that they can do," said Reinhard, a District 220 resident and Arlington Heights business owner. "We try to showcase the talents that they have, whatever that is. The kids that have a little bit more give a lot to the kids that have a little less."

Nosal said the roughly 4-year-old team has led to a peer coaching program for general education students. Fifteen teenagers served as assistant hoops coaches this season.

Boys and girls play on Barrington High's team. Reinhard said he hopes to attract more players to the team, which had 18 members this season.

Barrington High School players display sportsmanship after beating Hinsdale Central High School in the Special Olympics Illinois championship basketball game. The game was in Horton Fieldhouse at Illinois State University. Courtesy of Rich Howe/Special Olympics Illinois
Barrington High School beat Hinsdale Central High School in the Special Olympics Illinois championship basketball game. The game was in Horton Fieldhouse at Illinois State University. Courtesy of Rich Howe/Special Olympics Illinois
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