Wadsworth High School’s co-ed wheelchair basketball season began for the winter sport officially in November and allows every student to have the opportunity to pursue the sport for community and joy and to stay active during the winter months.
Wheelchair basketball is an intramural sport for Wadsworth students to participate in. The team is K-12 but consists mainly of middle and high school students. The sport has been going on for a few years now.
Teams have a maximum of 15 players per team, with a combination of children with disabilities and able-bodied students. Although the sport is co-ed, only five able-bodied players are allowed per team. This is meant to allow greater athletic opportunities for those who are students with disabilities. Wadsworth High School’s wheelchair basketball program has a team of 12 students and is called the Wadsworth Rolling Grizzlies.

Wadsworth Rolling Grizzlies is a close community. Players and coaches have good relationships which fuel players’ love for the sport. One able-bodied player who started the sport this year, K.J. Mack, joined the team to play alongside his brother. His brother has played on the team previously but K.J. wanted to better help support his brother.
“I wanted to join him to help motivate him and keep him focused during practices and games since he struggles with that sometimes,” Mack said. “I love how everyone is competitive and wants to win, but at the same time balances that with great sportsmanship.”
Even though the team is intramural, they still work and dedicate time and effort toward the sport. Practices are held two times a week, with about two to three games following per week at the Wadsworth Middle School gymnasium.
Heidi McCune, one of the team’s head coaches mentioned that the team looks to be off to a great start and season so far.
“So far we are doing well. We won our first game Saturday, December 7, and have lost two,” said Coach McCune. “We have many upcoming games and are looking forward to an exciting season.”
As the season progresses the team hopes to improve from last year’s performances. A lot of players are participating this season with almost a full 15-player team, so there is a lot to work on. Whether it be communication or athleticism, there is a reach for improvement for the Grizzlies this year compared to last.

“Our goal this year is to grow in the fundamentals of the game and build on how we did last year,” McCune said. “We are teaching so many different levels of kids that we’re working on many things this year.”
All games are free to attend, and the season will run through this upcoming February. Playoffs will be held in March.