West Bend, WI – There are 11 gold medal winners in West Bend as the West Bend Sluggers softball team won the Special Olympics State Softball Tournament on August 7. The field was evacuated and the awards ceremony cancelled when a bad storm with lightning approached.
Sluggers coach Mary Fiegel presented the Division 3 gold medals to her team during a special ceremony at City Hall.
Fiegel, a Special Olympics coach for 48 years, credited parents and fellow coaches for their support and dedication to this season. Assistant softball coaches this year included Santo Mortillaro, Jeff Werner, and Sharon Werner. Bocce coach was Joan Kienbaum with assistants Judy Grover and Monica Lepak.
Fiegel and team recited the Special Olympics oath by Eunice Kennedy Schreiber, “Let me win but if I can not win let me be brave in the attempt.”
Softball awards were hen presented to Mike Arguijo, Nick Biersack, Joey Dernetz, Tom Dillman, Rachel Fenner, Tim Grochowski, Ryan Huettel, Bryce Limbeck, Sanyo Mortillaro, Abby Spence, and Ben Werner.
The West Bend bocce team entered the 2021 State Tournament undefeated, however the team ran into some tough competition at State and managed to secure a 4th place finish.
The team included Mary Grover, Kristen Niemuth, Melissa Lepak, and Christa Christmas. Julie Schemmel was also on the team but she could not attend the award’s ceremony.
While the regular season may be over West Bend Special Olympians Santo Mortillaro and Mary Grover are still in the mix as they’re trying to make the Wisconsin Team in their respective sports for the 2022 National Games at Disney World in Orlando.
The West Bend Special Olympics team receives no taxpayer money and is completely funded through donations. The organization is a 501c3, so all donations are tax deductible.
If you would like to support the team as it rolls into fall sports of bowling and volleyball or if you’re interested in coaching contact the West Bend Rec Department at 262-335-5080.
