Stars claim victory on court, but there are no losers here
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| SNP photo by Dan
Trittschuh Stephanie Leppert scrambles onto the floor at Worthington Kilbourne High School to much applause as the Stars take the court for the annual Battle of Worthington contest against the Ambassadors. |
By PAMELA WILLIS
VIDEO
The Worthington Stars raced across the court in a sea of red
and emerged victorious over the Worthington Ambassadors at
the 11th annual Battle of Worthington.
Spectators in the bleachers stomped and cheered for both teams Thursday, March 18, at Worthington Kilbourne High School, but the loudest cheers were for the Stars, who won 62-58.
Former Ohio State University and Miami Dolphins football player Dimitrious Stanley called the action, encouraging the Stars and chanting "air ball" whenever a shot went up for the Ambassadors in a good-natured ribbing of the middle school students.
"Can't take the pressure, can you?" he taunted the Ambassadors. "Hey, here comes the Super Beast."
Using the nicknames of the special-needs students and adults that make up the Stars, Stanley kept a lively commentary going throughout the game.
Referees Joe Hawkins and Terry Lichtenberg did their part, too, calling double-dribbling and traveling violations as often as possible on the Ambassadors.
Fight songs boomed across the court, performed by the Ohio State School for the Blind pep band under the direction of Carol Agler and Dan Kelley.
The strongest Stars often passed the ball to the players with newer skills, and every one of the Stars players had his or her time to shine on the court.
Two-pointers were celebrated with a whoop of excitement, a fist in the air and a glance up for family members in the stands with a big "Did you see that shot?" grin.
At halftime, Stanley and parent coordinator Tammy Bailey gave out raffle prizes, including basketball items signed by Ohio State University basketball coach Thad Matta, along with an autographed hockey stick from the Columbus Blue Jackets and gift cards to local restaurants.
The score grew close a few times during the game, but the Ambassadors seemed as happy as the Stars when they were outplayed and outscored in the end.
Stanley handed a glittering gold basketball trophy to the outstretched hands of the Stars, who held it aloft while spectators and players cheered.
He turned to the audience and told them, "Next year, I want you to come back and bring a friend, and ask that person to bring a friend.
"We want to make this a huge event for the Stars," he said.
Afterward, Stanley said his involvement with the game for the past eight years is "purely selfish, really.
"I do it because it's so much fun," he said. "Every time I walk in the door and see the Stars, I love seeing them and I get a lot of hugs. I'm happy to help, because it's all about them."
The Ambassadors were coached by teacher Megan Ramage and the Stars were coached by John Schlater.
Ramage echoed Stanley's entreaty to the community.
"Everyone in the Worthington community should see this game. Forget March Madness, this is March Happiness," she said.
"I do this every year because of the overwhelming joy it brings. To see the faces on all the athletes, parents and friends -- it doesn't get any better."
Both teams were treated to a reception and refreshments after the game.
Spectators in the bleachers stomped and cheered for both teams Thursday, March 18, at Worthington Kilbourne High School, but the loudest cheers were for the Stars, who won 62-58.
Former Ohio State University and Miami Dolphins football player Dimitrious Stanley called the action, encouraging the Stars and chanting "air ball" whenever a shot went up for the Ambassadors in a good-natured ribbing of the middle school students.
"Can't take the pressure, can you?" he taunted the Ambassadors. "Hey, here comes the Super Beast."
Using the nicknames of the special-needs students and adults that make up the Stars, Stanley kept a lively commentary going throughout the game.
Referees Joe Hawkins and Terry Lichtenberg did their part, too, calling double-dribbling and traveling violations as often as possible on the Ambassadors.
Fight songs boomed across the court, performed by the Ohio State School for the Blind pep band under the direction of Carol Agler and Dan Kelley.
The strongest Stars often passed the ball to the players with newer skills, and every one of the Stars players had his or her time to shine on the court.
Two-pointers were celebrated with a whoop of excitement, a fist in the air and a glance up for family members in the stands with a big "Did you see that shot?" grin.
At halftime, Stanley and parent coordinator Tammy Bailey gave out raffle prizes, including basketball items signed by Ohio State University basketball coach Thad Matta, along with an autographed hockey stick from the Columbus Blue Jackets and gift cards to local restaurants.
The score grew close a few times during the game, but the Ambassadors seemed as happy as the Stars when they were outplayed and outscored in the end.
Stanley handed a glittering gold basketball trophy to the outstretched hands of the Stars, who held it aloft while spectators and players cheered.
He turned to the audience and told them, "Next year, I want you to come back and bring a friend, and ask that person to bring a friend.
"We want to make this a huge event for the Stars," he said.
Afterward, Stanley said his involvement with the game for the past eight years is "purely selfish, really.
"I do it because it's so much fun," he said. "Every time I walk in the door and see the Stars, I love seeing them and I get a lot of hugs. I'm happy to help, because it's all about them."
The Ambassadors were coached by teacher Megan Ramage and the Stars were coached by John Schlater.
Ramage echoed Stanley's entreaty to the community.
"Everyone in the Worthington community should see this game. Forget March Madness, this is March Happiness," she said.
"I do this every year because of the overwhelming joy it brings. To see the faces on all the athletes, parents and friends -- it doesn't get any better."
Both teams were treated to a reception and refreshments after the game.