2023 SSSRA Athletic Banquet
We recognized SSSRA Stingrays athletes, Unified Partners, and coaches at the Athletic Banquet, and it was a wonderful celebration! Over 60 athletes and Unified Partners participated in Basketball, Bocce, Powerlifting, Unified Bocce, and Unified Volleyball in 2022. Congratulations to our Stingrays on an amazing year!
Thank you to Mike Gianatasio and Debbie Kopas from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District for joining us. We also want to thank Wiley’s Grill for the delicious food and beautiful venue.
Congratulations to our award winners!
Rookie of the Year- Mary O’Callaghan
Mary is not afraid to take on new challenges and she does so with a smile on her face and love in her heart. In her very first year at a new sport, not only did she qualify for state, she took home a ribbon, bronze medal, and silver medal!
Sportsmanship of the Year – Jeremiah McEwen
Jeremiah always has a smile on his face. He is constantly supporting his teammates on the court – yelling from the bleachers, cheering his team on, and he is the first one to say something supportive to his teammates when they come back to the bench.
Driven to Succeed – Lesley Hardney
Lesley is dedicated to always improving her skills in sports. She is always putting in 100% effort during basketball games and practices. She always has a smile and is ready to play her best to help her team succeed.
Most Improved Athlete – Stephanie Wolf
Stephanie has been on the Stingrays Powerlifting team for several years and has remained committed to the team, working to expand her skills. Her hard work and tenacity paid off, earning her the opportunity to compete at the 2022 Special Olympics Summer Games!
Unified Partner of the Year – Brad Hommes
Brad has never played a game of Volleyball in his life…. and he did great supporting the athletes! Every week, he showed up and would try so hard to set up his teammates to make great passes. He also pinky promised to come back again in 2023.
Teammate of the Year – Leeway Holloway
Leeway, otherwise known as the Rebound King, is constantly supporting the Stingrays Basketball team both on and off the court. He cheers for his teammates and will direct them with subtle hand motions that they have learned. His infamous, “Come on guys!” can be heard as he encourages his team throughout each game.
Athlete of the Year – Alysia Specht
Alysia has been a major contributor to Stingrays Powerlifting since day 1. She has repeatedly shattered her personal weightlifting records, won many Gold medals, and has so much fun! She took her talents to Orlando Florida to compete on the National stage in 2022, taking home 3 Silver medals!
Family of the Year – McClinton Family
Marlene McClinton can be seen sitting on the sidelines in great anticipation for the next basket, lift, or hit! We can always hear her screaming from the bleachers when SSSRA or the opponents score, complete a lift, or make the big catch – because sportsmanship is her number one priority. She always shows true encouragement, love, and support.
Team of the Year – Powerlifting Team
Powerlifting started out with 3 athletes, and it has grown to almost 20. The team has joyfully welcomed new teammates and “future medalists” with open arms and huge smiles. Practices feel like a family get-together and down-state tournaments feel like a family reunion! That sense of family extends through the amazing coaching staff and continues to the parents and caregivers. The Powerlifting team has won many medals and are also greatly respected by every competitor, coach, and judge that has every had the pleasure of crossing paths with these wonderful people!
