On Saturday, Jan. 31, Central’s Special Olympics showcased, “Pack The Place.” The team will be played a familiar opponent: Downers Grove North.

The team is coached by Central students, including senior coach Jack McGowen, who was optimistic about the Pack The Place event.

“Our practices have gone really well, and we just hope for a big turnout on Saturday,” McGowen said.

Mrs. Watson, the staff coach, has spent a lot of time with the team over the season. Mrs. Watson explained the game as similar to a varsity basketball game.

“We follow the same rules as a regular basketball game, besides the referees,” Mrs. Watson said. She is equally as excited for the game as she is for the competitors. “Downers Grove North is our favorite competitor. We have tied, lost, won against them, but it is all in good fun,” Mrs. Watson said.

This basketball game will be the last for two Central seniors, Darius Richardson and Maggie Jacobs. Richardson described what he likes about playing for the team.

“My favorite part is teamwork and working with others,” Richardson said. This is one of the main lessons that is taught to the team.

“The Special Olympic teams really focus on teamwork and learning how to play the game,” Mrs. Watson said.  Richardson also hopes to “Kiss the glass,” a saying Coach Gebheart taught the team, where the ball “kisses” the back board.

The home game was at noon in the main gym.