Unified bocce teams work together to make magic

Draper told his team to make sure they wore their gold medals to school today.

On this day, everyone at HCC was an athlete.


Eleven Washington County teams participated in the tournament.

Clear Spring’s other team finished eighth in Division 4. North Hagerstown and Boonsboro, which won a state title last year, finished sixth and eighth in Division 3.

Smithsburg placed third in Division 1 and fourth in Division 2. Williamsport as third in Division 3 and sixth in Division 5. And South Hagerstown was eighth in Division 2 and seventh in Division 1.

In its three years of existence, the bocce tournament has become more competitive. Teams are grasping the excitement of the event and learning to use strategy to make it more than just an exhibition.

Keefer was excited about receiving her silver medal.

“I think it’s good,” she said. “That’s because I like it.”

But there was more significance to the whole day.

“I didn’t expect to win, but I wanted to be in the top three,” said Clear Spring coach Aline Novak. “I go into everything expecting to win, but I always have a little hint reminding me we might finish fourth. I prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

“But before this final match, I got the team together and told them no matter what, they were winners already.”