Penn-Trafford’s Unified Track team, a combination of special and general education students, dominated during their tri-meet senior night. The Warriors won with 155 points over Norwin (107) and Plum (81).

     This is P-T’s second year of Unified Track, and its team has grown to almost 20 members including six seniors.

     “We have a great group of seniors who help us and are leaders of the group,” coach and special education teacher Miranda Frye said. “We know we can ask any of them to help lead the team in warmups or an event and be confident they will get it done!”

     Frye coaches alongside fellow special education teacher Colleen Jones and guidance counselor Melissa Sutmire. P-T alumnus Nick Popovich is an assistant volunteer coach.

     Similar to P-T’s Unified Bocce program that began in 2023, the Unified Track team works through Special Olympics to provide athletic opportunities for all students.

     “Every person has their own set of skills and abilities, so allowing the special education students to show their skills and work ethic just like other athletes is important in everyone getting a chance to be successful in the school,” Frye said.

     Each athlete must participate in at least one running and field event. Events include three short-distance events, two relays and field events like shot put, running long jump and javelin.

     “My favorite event is long jump,” sophomore Steven Grande said.

     The team practices their events twice a week at the High School for 90 minutes.

     Senior Josh Boss, a 3-year member of Unified Bocce and 2-year member of Unified Track, said he enjoyed meeting new people and getting to do things he’d never done before through Special Olympics, but is excited to move on to Duquesne University next year.

     “The time here at PTHS is coming to an end. It’s time to move on, say goodbye and start another journey and meet people,” Boss said.