Bethlehem Special Olympians shine at summer games

The Bethlehem Special Olympics team won 107 medals at the Pennsylvania Summer Games June 10-12 in State College.

Bethlehem's athletes won 55 gold medals, 30 silver medals and 22 bronze medals in the largest state meet of the year.

The gymnastics team dominated, winning 28 gold medals and 11 silver medals, the most of any team.

Michael Gaal and Craig Mauer each won seven gold medals. Alan Rutan won six and Nicole Ackerman won five golds, as they each also took the all-around title for their events. Mauer was one of 14 Pennsylvania athletes selected for Team USA and will compete in the World Games as a power-lifter.

Kathleen Dezubay shined in the rhythmic gymnastics events, winning five gold medals and the all-around gold for her division. The team won 13 gold medals and eight silver medals.

The 14-person aquatic team won 30 medals, including 12 gold and nine each of silver and bronze. Nancy Prostko won the 25M backstroke and the 25M freestyle, while Kyle Miller won the 25M butterfly and the 50M freestyle. Michael Semler, 14, also won the 50M backstroke and the 50M freestyle.

Mike Sopko earned the Division One (divisions are based on ability) gold medal in golf with an average of 51. Teammates Joey Rob and Tim Lewis also won a gold medal and a silver medal, respectively.

Ilene Reinert won a silver medal in bowling. She will compete in the U.S. National Special Olympics in July as a member of the state team.

The five-on-five basketball team, led by coaches Joe Dancho and Charles Smith, overcame a lack of height and experience to win the bronze medal.

More than 2,000 athletes from across Pennsylvania participated in the Summer Games.

To view a photo album of the athletes at State College, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/115927471860133762895/2010BSOPSU?authkey=Gv1sRgCM-n8qbajpbJbg&feat=email#

Copyright © 2010, The Morning Call