East held a send-off ceremony for the ISO bowling team on December 3, 2021 before they left for their state competition in Peoria the next day. At the regional event held in three gold medalists, Kayle Brooks, Cullen Hand, and Hayden Haneberg qualified for state. The team also won two bronze medals and two silver.
The ceremony began with words from the head coach, Donna Wisely. “Our partners have been outstanding,” she said, “The kids care about you.” After her emotional statement, the ISO team was presented a check from the Athletics Booster.
The team was excited to attend state the next day, and ready to compete in alignment with the Special Olympics oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
“We all should try our best,” said Brooks.
The send-off was attended by staff members and athletes who showed their pride in the East ISO team.
At the meet on December 4, Haneberg finished in 4th place. Both Brooks and Hand won gold in their respective events.