Windham’s Unified bocce team played their final game of the season at home against Scarborough on Thursday, June 1. It was senior night, so seniors Lauren Broadbent, Kayla Fillinger, Dani Iaconeta and Austin Rice were all presented with a small gift as a thank you for their dedication to Windham Athletics throughout their high school careers.
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| Windham High junior TJ McAllister keeps his eyes on the target as he gets ready to throw in the final Unified bocce match of the season against Scarborough on Thursday, June 1 at Windham High School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
Unified bocce just completed its first season at Windham and this match against Scarborough was structured to have three 20-minute games with two courts playing per game.
One team throws a small white ball called the pallino, and the goal is to throw larger balls, called bocce, to get as close to the pallino as possible. Only the team closest to the pallino scores points. While a score is kept, the Unified games are more about having fun and celebrating the season. There was high energy and lots of positive encouragement and cheering from both teams.
In the first group of games, Scarborough won 9-5 and 5-3. In the second games Windham won 7-4 and Scarborough won 6-2. In the third games, Scarborough won 7-4 and Windham won 4-3.
For bocce specifically, Windham’s team goals were intended to learn the game, compete against other high schools and have fun. It was evident to McNeill watching the growth from the first practice to the last game that as a team they met and exceeded all these goals.
“I think we worked together as a team very well,” said senior Lauren Broadbent. “We were taking turns and I think everyone scored some points.”
Broadbent said she had fun during the Scarborough game and throughout the season. Windham has won some and lost some and she said that she liked playing multiple games so everyone has a chance to win.
Windham sophomore Colby Schmid said this team’s chemistry was outstanding. They communicated together, and Schmid said the season has been great. Bocce is a calming sport for Schmid and helps him relax while reducing stress.
“The season was great,” said Windham unified bocce coach Connor McNeill. “It’s been very successful. The opportunity for different groups of students to get together and the comradery between schools is great.”
McNeill said the Windham community is very supportive of Unified sports and they are thankful that they got a grant from the Special Olympics to make the season a reality.
Congrats to Windham team members Broadbent, Sophia Gugliuzza, Jacob Smith, Iaconeta, Jack Shirley, Zach O’Brion, Mary Jean, TJ McAllister, Schmid, Fillinger and Rice on a great season. <
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