Croy places first in Special Olympics State Tournament
The third time is the charm for Ridgewood High School freshman Cody Croy. Three years ago, he placed third in the Special Olympics State Winter Games Tournament. Last year, he placed second. On March 4th, Croy placed first in the basketball skills competition. He was the only competitor in a wheelchair. He has Spina Bifida.
“The skills competition consists of timed dribbling in a line, shooting from different spots for different point amounts and passing the ball through a target,” Croy said. “In skills, there are no age classes. I’ve competed against people probably as old as mid-30s.”
Croy said he didn’t feel very nervous at the state tournament. “In fact, I probably felt more nervous at regionals because of less practice time. I practiced a lot before state which really helped me and I have no doubt that my faith in God played a big part in that, too.”
While he does say that shooting is what he is best at, it is also the part of the competition that he stresses about the most. “One missed shot can decide the competition.”
He is very appreciative of all the help he has gotten and wants to share his thanks. “First and foremost, God for blessing me with the ability and the opportunity and secondly, my coach Aaron Mullins, who makes practices fun and is one of the best coaches I could ever ask for.” He is definitely hoping to make to the state tournament again next year.
Croy said he feels Special Olympics are a great opportunity for people to have fun and learn about different sports. “It helps you become a better person and, most importantly, a competitor. I believe the ability to compete is one of the most important things a person can experience.”
Category: High School, Sports
