Rockets earn multiple medals at Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games

The Tuscarawas County Special Olympics Rockets competed at Special Olympics Ohio's Summer Games 2026, taking athletes in the sports of bocce, bowling, powerlifting and track and field. The Rockets also offered volleyball this season, but the team did not advance past regional competition this year.

The annual statewide event brought together more than 3,000 athletes from more than 180 programs across Ohio. Athletes are grouped into divisions based on precompetition scores and performances at regional tournaments, giving them the opportunity to compete alongside others with similar abilities and experience.

The Rockets delegation spent three days and two nights on the campus of The Ohio State University, participating in competition, special events including Healthy Athletes, Olympic Village and a large dance. Olympic Village also featured a booth headed by members of the Rockets' own community supporters from Dover Moose 707.

In bocce, the duo of Chelsea Lefler and Rebekah Rothel captured gold for the second year in a row, making them back-to-back state champions. The pair of Kayla Hostetler and Miranda Milburn also earned gold medals for the Rockets. Later this month, bocce athletes Eric Lingo and Aaron Scott will travel to Minnesota to compete at the USA Games with Team Ohio. They are two of only four bocce players selected from across the state for this prestigious honor.

In bowling, half of the Rockets team brought home gold medals. Rookies Matt Blake, Logan Ladrach and Braylon Moonie won their respective divisions, along with veterans Tyler Alleshouse, Gary Calkins and Austin McGinnis. Logan recorded the highest average for the Rockets on the day, with Austin close behind.

In powerlifting, Aidan McClain won gold in all three events: deadlift, bench press and combination. Jessica Arnold also won gold in deadlift and combination in her division, while Heather Baker and Emma Ward each earned silver in all three events in their respective divisions.

In track and field, Shaun Washington blazed to gold-medal finishes in the 100-meter and 200-meter races and served as the first leg of the 4x100-meter relay team that earned silver-medal honors, along with Matthew Toole, Bo Satterfield and Brody Ferris. Other gold medalists for the Rockets included Tory Arnold, Tyler Ross, Bo Satterfield, Brian Wedlake and Lyla Witts. The Unified relay team of Nevaeh Jeffries, Lyla Witts, Lexi Miller and Travis Randolph also finished in second place, securing silver for the Rockets.

A special highlight of the weekend came during the opening ceremonies, when Kershel Zehnder was selected as one of only four torchbearers from across the state. Zehnder was nominated by Tuscarawas County Local Coordinator Richelle Lefler in recognition of his dedication, loyalty and service. His selection was a meaningful honor for both Zehnder and the Rockets delegation.

For many Rockets, the weekend was about far more than competition. Chris Morris shared that it was "an incredible weekend with awesome people." Heidi Miller added that she loves any time with her Rockets family and is proud of all the athletes and coaches for the way they represented Tuscarawas County. Kelly McMillen shared that she "had a blast" and never thought she would be a state-bound bocce player.

The Rockets' performances reflected dedication, teamwork, sportsmanship and the Special Olympics spirit of being "brave in the attempt."

Individuals interested in getting involved with the Tuscarawas County Rockets may email Richelle Lefler at TuscarawasCountyRockets@sooh.org. Special Olympics is open to individuals age 8 and older, and the Rockets offer a variety of traditional and Unified sports. The next sports offered will be softball and golf. Sign-up information will be available starting the week of June 7 on the Rockets' Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rocketsproud.