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.
鈥淪o, there were district tournaments with the county top three teams going to States,鈥� McCann said. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
McCann said he was interested in coaching the unified tennis team because, when he first started his education career, he worked in special education.
鈥淚t’s also just a great opportunity for students to come together with different backgrounds and abilities,鈥� 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鈥檚 leaders in the special education program, Dom Goline, spoke of his experience playing tennis. 鈥淢y favorite part about being a team leader is encouraging other players, though my favorite part of the States were the snacks during break.鈥�
鈥淭he Special Olympics sponsor the state tournament and they make everyone feel like winners,鈥� McCain said.
Even though MHS did not place first, they intend to play even harder next year.
Goline said, 鈥淚f we win next year, I hope there will be fireworks.鈥�
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