Clarion Area Unified Bocce Team Wins Northwest Regional Championship, Now Heads To States!!!!
Feature photo courtesy of Maria Wilson – Bobcats with the Championship Banner: Front (L-R) Aerie O’Neill, Kara Wilson, Malachi Carrico, JJ Moll. Back (L-R) Head Coach Jill Babington, Gabe Anderson, Marley Cline, Nico Stefanos, Team Manager Emily O’Toole, Team Manager Juliet Diehl, Jake O’Neill, Jack Staley.
(Editor’s note: information on how you can contribute in various ways, to the Bobcat Unified Bocce Team as well as two great video links, can be found below the article.)
In a historic first season, filled with firsts and accomplishments that have exceeded anyone’s expectations, the Clarion Area Bobcat Unified Bocce Team has outdone itself, by winning the Northwest Regional Tournament and is now going to States!!
The Northwest Regional Tournament, which was held at David V. Wise Sport & Fitness Center on the campus of Allegheny College in Meadville, on Thursday, March 5th.
The tournament began with the Torch Lighting Ceremony.
Clarion Area Head Coach, Jill Babington shared this about the Bobcat players’ reaction to the special kickoff to the Championships, “The opening ceremony was an exciting moment for the players! They said they felt like they were in the Olympics. The ceremony set the stage for a an unforgettable day of bocce.”
The Northwest Regional Tournament consists of eight teams, with nine counties, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren, represented.
The eighth seeded Bobcats went 3-0 in their games as they downed Wilmington, Fort LeBoeuf and General McLane in succession to the delight of their jubilant fanbase.
Also, a nice note, Moniteau competed and achieved their highest regional finish in program history, placing sixth.
Coach Babington had these fine words about their local “rivals” if there is such a word in Unified Sports.
“We bonded with the Moniteau at the league match. The kids from both teams were excited to see one another at Regionals. They are an amazing team with great players and coaches.
“It’s so special to see all of the players and coaches from all of the teams support and cheer for each other. This type of sportsmanship and camaraderie is very unique and special.”
In winning the Championship, the Bobcats will now move on to states, which will be held at the 10,500 seat Giant Center in Hershey, on Thursday, March 19th. It is a safe bet that this will be, the largest venue any of these athletes have ever played in.
The State Tournament will begin at 9:00 a.m. and admission is free.
There are eight regional championships in the Commonwealth, with only the regional champions advancing. There will be roughly 80 student athletes performing.
For further perspective on the select group the Bobcats are in, consider there are about 427 teams competing in Unified Bocce throughout the state, with roughly 3496 athletes and unified partners.
Bobcats head coach Jill Babington and assistant coach Julie Johnson are ecstatic with the team’s remarkable showing.
Coach Babinton shared, “Today was honestly surreal. Coach Julie Johnson and I are so proud of these athletes. Our speech today was how proud we are of them for making it as far as they have. We wanted them to relax and have fun. We said at this point whatever happened, happened.”
The Bobcats belief in themselves and each other never wavered.
“We wanted them to soak in every moment of this but also reminded that that we believed in them and knew that they could beat any team in this competition. Coach Johnson’s exact words were you are going to win today!!
The Bobcats really put their nose to the grindstone.
“Our players had to face a tough road today. They entered the regional competition the 8th seed out of 8. But what they lacked in seeding, they made up for in determination, heart and belief in one another.”
“In the opening round, the team faced the number one seed. Wilmington. Working together, encouraging one another and staying focused on every shot, they pulled off the upset to make it to the semifinals. They faced another tough team in Fort LeBoeuf.
“They continued to stay confident and determined winning the semi finals 8-5 securing them a spot in the finals. With momentum and confidence on their side, the team played an amazing match in the finals.
“It was a close match but the kids stayed focused and were able to pull off the win.”
And the ecstacy continues.
“Now the team looks ahead with excitement and pride as they head to Hershey to represent our school In The State Championships!!”
Clarion Area Assistant Coach, Julie Johnson also shared her thoughts.
“It has been a pleasure to be a Coach for our Bocce team. I knew going in that day we were going to walk away winners. I told the kids we got this we are winning today!!!! The team worked super hard and had an impressive performance at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Unified Bocce Regionals, placing 1st after entering the tournament as the 8th seed is quite an accomplishment.
“The team battled through the bracket with determination and teamwork, upsetting higher-seeded opponents along the way. With each match, the Bobcats grew more confident, showcasing strong communication and outstanding bocce skills on the court. Their remarkable run from the bottom seed to regional champions highlights the true spirit of unified sports, where athletes of all abilities compete together and support one another.
“With the regional title secured, We now have our heart and hopes on the upcoming state championship in Hershey to finish this season strong!”
Coach Johnson mentioned, “Another great part of the day was getting to meet and spend time with the other teams.”
And some important words from their first opponent’s mentor.
“After beating Wilmington in the first round, the Wilmington coach told us to be the true underdog and take it all the way!”
Coach Johnson also shared words about the special bond that has developed between the Warriors and Bobcats.
“We especially appreciated the support from Moniteau Unified Bocce Team. Even though our team never had the chance to play them on the courts, Moniteau cheered Clarion on throughout the day.
“Their coaches were very supportive, and the Clarion team also enjoyed having their player Alan join our team during social times throughout both districts and regionals.
“It was a great example of the sportsmanship and friendships that make unified sports so special. I do believe this was their highest advancement in their school history.”
And her special feelings about the opening ceremony.
“The day at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Unified Bocce Regionals began with a meaningful tradition as the Special Olympics Torch, known as ‘the Flame of Hope,’ was brought onto the courts.
“Escorted by a local police officer, the torch symbolizes the start of competition and the strong partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes. Law enforcement officers are often called the “Guardians of the Flame,” helping carry and protect the torch at events across the state while showing their support for the athletes and the mission of inclusion.
“The moment set the tone for the day as teams gathered around the courts, celebrating the spirit of unified sports before competition began.”
And some special thanks to the whole Northwest Regional Team.
“The team would also like to thank Katherine Reim and her staff for the excellent job they did organizing the regional event. Their hard work helped make the day run smoothly and created a welcoming and supportive environment for all of the athletes and teams who participated.”
Moniteau Athletic Director Dylan Beachem shared, “I could not be more proud of our Warriors! This is such an amazing group of kids, who all put a smile on your face anytime you are around them. It was awesome to see them be rewarded with success after so much hard work.
“Clarion is a great team with amazing coaches. Their success could not be more deserved.”
The Moniteau Co-Coaches shared comments on their joy in coaching their team with the Butler Eagle earlier in the season. Coach Amy McKivigan mentioned, ” Coaching bocce is an amazing experience. Watching the players grow in athleticism and personal confidence over the last 3 years has been an honor.
“This season I have witnessed the athletes beginning to play their own game and build upon their skills. The team pride that this group brings into each practice and game is what Unified Sports is all about. I couldn’t be prouder!”
And Coach Beth Stoltz, mentioned, ”As a first-time coach, I have felt truly welcomed on this team. I’ve loved getting to know each of the athletes and helping them obtain their own personal goals. This group is a wonderful example of the core values outlined in Unified Sports. I look forward to what the rest of our season will bring and celebrating all of our achievements.”
Katherine Reim shared, “Congratulations to Clarion Area High School Bobcats who took first place at the bocce regional event held at Allegheny College in Meadville on Thursday.
“The gym was filled with athletes, unified partners, coaches, parents grandparents and fellow students from all of the schools that were represented at the event.
“Spirits were high for everyone at the event. Congratulations to all of the schools, athletes, unified partners, and coaches on a job well done!
“Good luck to the Bobcats as the head to Hershey and compete for the state title!”
And some special closing words from Coach Johnson.
“As we look forward to Hershey next week, I could not be prouder of the team we have become and will be sad for this journey to end.
“I’m so proud of how this team is truly unified and works together and of course have fun while doing it!
“I’d like to thank all the parents and families for coming and supporting our team on this journey. I’m not sure where we are seeded going into states but we have worked our way from the bottom up at district then regionals, I think we can handle the challenge!”
(Way to go, Bobcats!!!! I would like to thank those who spent a great amount of time researching and providing information, providing quotes, helping me with formulating the information and providing photos, Dr. Carrico, Coach Babington, Coach Johnson, Katherine Reim, Sarah Neumann Regional Director of Sports and Unified Champion Schools – The Wilds Region (She directs the State Meet), Moniteau School District and Maria Wilson. It does take a village!!)
https://www.facebook.com/1434823858/videos/pcb.10234765825233456/2441562479617811
SPECIAL FUNDRAISER INFORMATION AND FLYER
Next week Clarion Area High Schools Unified Bocce team is headed to the state playoffs in Hershey. This is the first year for the Unified Bocce Program and we are extremely proud of our athletes. While attending the PIAA District and Regional playoffs we were one of the very few teams that was their first year in the Bocce program. Special Olympics provides the collared polo shirts and our athletes all wore black pants.
When at the district and regional playoffs the other schools had warm ups and jackets and some schools all had matching shoes. The student sections had matching t-shirts and other items that represented the love for their schools.
Being our first year we had no time to fundraise for these athletes – no booster program to help with this. If you personally would like to donate or your business would like to support us to represent Clarion dressed to represent you can send your donations to the Clarion Area Jr. Sr. High School – more information is on the flyer attached.
We appreciate all of the community support we have received. This is an amazing group of kids that in their first year have made it to the state championship. With 400 schools competing in Unified Bocce in the state of Pennsylvania we are the Northwest Pa Champions !! We are in the top 8 of 400 schools. This is quite impressive!
Thank you for your support whether monetary or keeping our athletes in your thoughts over the next week for safety in travel to and from and sending good vibes for them to do their very best!!
Paws up
