They warmed mine.

On a bone-chillingly cold Thursday eight days ago, I stood inside Dodger Stadium in Fort Dodge for nearly five hours, and yet it felt like no more than 15 to 20 minutes. When you’re having fun the time passes quickly, and this day flew by at the speed of light.

Earlier this year, I was asked by Webster City High School special education teacher Amanda Warweg if I would be willing to cover the track and field Special Olympics to get a first-hand look at her athletes and the athletes from Sunset Heights Elementary and the Webster City Middle School.

I was more than willing. I was honored.

Webster City Middle School student Jack Pruismann shows off a smile during the 50-meter dash at the Special Olympics last week. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

Bundled up in coats, gloves and stocking caps, kids from all across the area stepped onto the track for a variety of events like the 30-meter motorized slalom wheelchair race, the 50-meter dash, the 50-meter walk, the 100-meter dash, the 800-meter run, and even the 1,500-meter run.

There were plenty of field events as well, such as the javelin toss, the tennis ball throw, the shot put, the standing long jump and the softball throw.

Some of the athletes were simply happy to compete. Sunset Heights student Shelby Choate turned and waved to the crowd as she stormed down the track. Webster City Middle School student Jack Pruismann wore a grin a mile wide from the moment he took off to the moment he reached the finish line.

But make no mistake, many of the kids were there to do everything they could do to win.

WCHS student JJ Lanken was as focused as any athlete I’ve ever covered as he toed the line for the 50-meter dash. And when the race began, the intensity in his eyes was captivating.

Aaron Mendosa-Ramirez, a student at Sunset Heights Elementary, competes in the softball throw at the Special Olympics last week. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

Several of those young kids — I’m talking about you, Dylan Ausborn and Aaron Mendosa-Ramirez — have got canons for arms. Members of the Iowa Central Community College rugby team stood in the field to measure the softball throws and these Webster City kids had them sprinting backwards as their heaves soared through the air.

“There’s about half of the students that could care less whether they advance to state or not, but there are some kids that if they don’t get that blue ribbon they’re a little upset,” Warweg, who raced around Dodger Stadium to catch all of the events with her athletes, said this week. “They’re working their butts off out there and they’re competing against their peers. The competition is serious.”

And then there was WCHS senior Hunter Moss, who took part in the 50-meter dash. Starting from the inside lane and utilizing a guide line held up by meet volunteers just off the track, he successfully made his way to a group waiting for him at the finish line. Moss crossed the finish line, turned towards the stands where fans applauded his effort and clapped with them.

I’ve never wanted to put my camera down and cheer along with the crowd more in my life.

“It’s cool for them to be able to compete and to have people cheering them on,” Warweg said. “You lock eyes with somebody and you’re able to engage them and inspire them to keep going. That perseverance and continuing to try hard even though it is a difficult task sometimes. It’s awesome. It’s just such a good day.”

WCHS student JJ Lanken (right) sprints down the straightaway during the 100-meter dash at the Special Olympics inside Dodge Stadium in Fort Dodge last Thursday morning. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

This isn’t just one day of fun and games though. These kids put in the work, day after day at school, to prepare for this meet each spring.

Warweg told me that practice for the Special Olympics begins in peer physical education class in late February. Her athletes choose the events they want to compete in and then diligently put in the time to hone their skills.

Just like basketball players. Just like football players. Just like all athletes. Period.

The implementation of the peer PE class at Webster City has been instrumental in the success of the program. General education students apply for a place and it’s a class they can take with their fellow students with disabilities up to four times during their high school careers.

Warweg thinks it’s been an eye-opening experience for everyone involved.

Webster City’s Samantha Camp prepares to throw during the shot put competition at the Special Olympics in Fort Dodge last week. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

“It’s my favorite class and it’s kind of my baby,” Warweg said. “Right now we have 11 general (education) students and they help with the training and I think they have a blast. I also think it’s helped a lot with acceptance and inclusiveness in our school.”

The fruits of that class were on full display last week.

But beyond the results and the blue ribbons, I always gravitate back to the one simple thing — those smiles, which Warweg admits is her favorite thing as well. They are the reason why I’ll keep going back for as many years as the Webster City team welcomes me.

In my nearly 20 years at the Daily Freeman-Journal I’ve covered a state softball championship. I’ve been on the sideline for a state football championship and a runner-up finish. I’ve chronicled the journeys of four state golf titles and a handful of individual state crowns, whether it be on the golf course, the track or the wrestling mat.

Those were all magical moments in time. And I’m here to tell you my experience last week rivaled them all.

Shelby Choate waves to the crowd as she heads down the track. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

Warweg ended our conversation this week by thanking me for making the trip.

But, really, I should be the one thanking her and the athletes of the Webster City community. You opened my eyes to the pure joy of sports and it’s something I’ll carry with me forever.

Until next year, Webster City athletes. I can’t wait.

David Gordon lets the tennis ball fly. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

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