Schools
Brighton Unify Team looking for another State Championship
Most students at Brighton High School aren't familiar with the game of bocce ball. However, the Project Unify Team here at BHS came home las
By: MacCulley Barry
“Looking to improve and earn more gold medals this year. We want to dominate the podium,” coach Jody Renicker said.
Brighton’s team is coached by special education teacher Lisa Johnson, John Krayer, and Renicker who also is the LINK Program teacher here at BHS.
Brighton’s Project Unified team brings together LINK students and special education kids to play some bocce ball. All the students show passion for the game and have fun.
Thursday, May 31 is the state tournament for Project Unified students held at Central Michigan University. Renicker said there could be potentially be more games held on Wednesday nights to prepare for the state tournament and to have fun. As of right now, Project Unify only has practice after school one day a week. At practice one athlete and one partner are paired together to practice their skills. In order to pair, one athlete and one partner have to have similar scores and skill. It’s very competitive.
BHS is hosting a bocce ball tournament Tuesday, May 22 at 5:30 PM. Plymouth, Hartland, and Pinckney will be competing in this tournament. Brighton Unified team says everyone is a rival. Brighton is one of the largest unified teams according to Renicker.
Project Unify is an amazing program that allows students to enjoy a competitive environment.
“Project Unify is a very positive experience because I have gotten to build relationships with so many different people. It’s very competitive and we’re hoping for another state championship. I’m a former bocce ball state champion with my partner Amy Jamie,” LINK student Elliana said.
This past winter, Brighton's Unified Team won a State Championship in basketball. Students were bussed to Kalamazoo to compete at Western Michigan University. Friends and family cheered them on with signs and poms as they traveled through downtown Brighton. All the kids came back from the game with smiles on their face because they defeated the Blue Jays and won a State Championship.
This is only the start of Project Unify. The team still has plenty of time to bring home more gold medals.
“I’ve always wanted to be apart of Project Unify. Everyone is so nice on the team and the game seems very rewarding,” junior Ashlyn Vandemergel said.