Sports : Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings Junior Co-Ed basketball team comes home with the gold

The Gold Medal Winning Vinton-Shellsburg team and the silver medal winning team from Atlantic.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings Junior Co-Ed basketball team came home with the gold Saturday. Special Olympics Iowa held its annual Mid-Winter Games at the University of Iowa Fieldhouse in Iowa City. The Vikes won a tight matchup against the Warriors from Atlantic by a score of 42 to 34. It was a pretty even exchange until the 4th quarter when the Vikes scored six unanswered points to pull the game out of reach. Rodney Utoff and Melissa Young were instrumental on the boards with offensive rebounds followed by successful 5 footers. Steven Schmitz and Robert Hurst threw down several long two pointers, and provided speed on defense against a lightning fast Warrior offense. Lauren Larrimer provided several assists, and Nano Pilopovic and William Greenwood came off the bench for some awesome defensive plays.

Earlier in the day, both Zach Kramer and Beau Vinton won gold medals in their respective divisions of the Basketball Skills competition. Athletes competed in timed skills events including free throws, dribbling, and ball control.

The Mid-Winter Games ushers out the Winter sports season. With nearly 35 student athletes out for track and field, the Vikings look forward to a busy Spring season. Track practice starts next week. The Vinton-Shellsburg Special Olympics team will compete in the Regional Games held at Coe College on April 16th. First place finishers will advance to compete at the State Games held in Ames on the Iowa State campus on May 28 and 29. The Vinton-Shellsburg Special Olympics team is coached by head coach Tammy Zimmerman and assistants Brian Larkin and Whitney Bowen.

The team relies solely on donations each year, and appreciates the overwhelming support they receive from the community. Vinton-Shellsburg Special Olympics will host a booth at the upcoming Vinton Home and Garden Show on March 26th and 27th at the Vinton High School. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and Pampered Chef book party to help raise money for entry fees and equipment.