It Was Extremely Rewarding, Said Bison Member Kelaen Welch, a Junior from Follansbee

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“It was extremely rewarding,” said Bison member Kelaen Welch, a junior from Follansbee. “I’ve worked with youth teams, but it was the first time I had a special needs basketball team. It was great to see how much fun they had. The game means more to them than a college or professional game would to us. They cheer louder than anybody and it’s nice to be able to be part of it. Without Bethany College and Bethany baseball, I would have never had this experience.”

“I work with the Lake County BDD with adults and students with special needs,” added senior Alex Fenstermaker. “To see them outside a school setting, they are able to express themselves more often than not.”

“It’s fun. You see the world from a different perspective,” added sophomore Jake Stemmerich. “The games are fun to watch and they are always happy. It’s rewarding because it brightens up my day and it makes me feel good.”

Meanwhile, Carver said he and his players really connected with the All-Stars and his own athletes were eager to help. They were first approached by Rachel Bodo, principal of the School of Bright Promise, about assisting last year but were unable to coordinate efforts. However, they scheduled time for games December and January and made it happen.He was amazed that some of the basketball players had participated for decades and that Pitts presented the Bison with two of his medals. Carver also had a great respect for Coach Thomas and the Special Olympics as a whole, saying the Bison will continue to assist when needed.

“We had a great time doing it. Everything we do at Bright Promise we enjoy it as much as they do,” he said. “They are two great groups of people and we formed a bond. As long as they will have us, we’ll be glad to do it.”

In addition to the Bison team’s fall treks to the School of Bright Promise, the players invited the special needs students to a ballgame as guests of honor and held a barbecue and other activities to interact with the kids, plus they have also exchanged gifts and supportive messages and maintained strong ties. More visits for the students and adult athletes to Bison games were being eyed for this spring.

Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Mehalik praised Bethany’s team for their compassion and said they have touched the lives of many special needs students and adults.

“Coach Carver and his baseball players from Bethany College have put smiles on the faces of many of our students over the last few years. I doubt that the players or coach even realize the impact they are having on these students’ lives,” Mehalik said. “Believe me, the impact is enormous. Our program is very thankful for their efforts.”

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(Photo Cutline: The Bethany Bison baseball team met up with members of the Jefferson County All-Stars after volunteering for home basketball games in Steubenville. The college athletes have already bonded with students at the School of Bright Promise and are now linked with the special needs adults. Pictured are, front from left, Jake Stemmerich, Alex Fenstermaker, Thomas Huggins, Melissa Vargo and Tom Pitts. Back: Kelaen Welch, All-Stars Assistant Coach Susie Corso, Mike Harris, Zach Schlotter, Austin Trimmer, Chris Simms, Joe Woroniak, Nathan Filby, All-Stars Coach Joe Thomas, Bethany Coach Rick Carver and Justin Corsi. Absent from the photo are All-Stars Buck Warrick, Josh McAlpine and Brandon MacNeil.)