ESCANABA — It was worth every moment as the Eskymo Unified basketball team hit the court on Thursday for the first time since practices started last November.

A crowd of over 1,200 cheered the team on as the players broke through a banner and ran onto the court to the Eskymo fight song played by the pep band.

“What a moment to celebrate inclusion of all students utilizing sports as the medium,” said EHS teacher consultant Kris Aiken. “Unified Sports is a product of Special Olympics. It is a combination of players with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics sponsored jerseys for the team.”

The teams were coached by Escanaba students Peyton Fedell, Ethan Silverstone, Josh Bruntjens, and Grace Taylor; these students were in top form during their game on National Inclusion Day.

The day started with MoBuddies and Silver Linings presenting in all first-hour classes at EHS and EJHS to discuss kindness along with a short video. The day included staff going into the commons and eating lunch with the student body and just having a friendly chat about anything.

The last hour of the day ended with an explosion of excitement as the Unified Team took to the court.

Student-athlete Angel put it simple: “We are on a unified basketball team because we aren’t good enough to make the regular team, but we want to show everyone we like sports and have skills.”

Student-athlete Danny added: “I love Mo-Buddy basketball. It is fun, exercising, friendly, and overall the best. I’d like to thank Mrs. Aiken for letting me be on the team! It is a very special team.”

Coach Silverstone commented, “This experience was incredible. I grew very close to the student athletes and it was a lot of fun. The kids have won a lot and have become pretty talented in basketball. This is a wonderful group and they all have a bright future.”

Coach Bruntjens and coach Fedell commented that their experience was amazing and every day they learned how fun, talented, and caring their team is. They enjoyed teaching them to become the best that they can be when they put their minds to it.

“I would like to give an enormous THANK YOU to the staff for putting up with the interruptions, MoBuddies, Silver Linings, Pep Band, Admins, and numerous upperclassmen who took the lead and making this day FABULOUS,” Aiken said.

Game 1 — Team Silverstone vs Team Fedell: Casey (1), Mason (2), J. Gauthier (2), LaMarche (2). Team Silverstone wins.

Game 2 — Team Fedell vs Team Bruntjens: Casey (4), Makosky (6), Mason (4), Frazer (2). Team Fedell wins.

Game 3 — Team Silverstone vs Team Bruntjens: J. Gauthier (3), Frohman (2), Groleau (4). Team Silverstone wins.