craigdailypress.com

For the Craig Special Olympics team, the sporting season is about being caught in the moment.

To them, it's more about running free, floating in the water and returning a serve, and not so much about beating the next guy, winning a trophy or what spot on a podium they stand on.

Sure, where they compete looks different, but to them, the sole act of competing itself is what they are after.

The Craig Slug Bugs Special Olympics tennis team proved it Saturday.

A "transportation glitch" as April Camp, Craig Special Olympics tennis coach called it, stopped the team from participating in the Colorado Special Olympics tennis event July 26 in Colorado Springs, but the last minute change didn't stop the team from competing.

The Slug Bugs held an exhibition event Saturday on the courts at Craig City Park during which Colorado Springs was an afterthought.

"It's all in how you look at things," Camp said. "The tennis team just decided to stay home and do their thing here. They went ahead and challenged opponents from around town. It ended up being a really fun time."

The four-man team of Bill Mason, Bobby Holmberg, E.J. Camp and Jason Latham competed in three events: individual skills, one-on-one and doubles.

"All the girls said it was too hot to play," Camp said. "Those four guys really enjoy playing tennis. No matter how hot it is, they were going to play."

The matches weren't won on points.

Each was a timed event with fun the priority.

But, that didn't stop the players from keeping track.

E.J. Camp challenged buddy Matt Chase to a little one-on-one Saturday on the blue courts at Craig City Park.

"I had a lot of fun," E.J. said.

"I won. I hit the ball to the other person, and he missed it. I can hit it really fast."

This is E.J.'s first year playing tennis, and he said having "about 40" people watching and cheering him on was special.

"I really like to play tennis," he said. "I'm going to definitely keep playing."

Lisa Hillewaert, Colleen Sherwood and Wade Latham also found themselves called onto the court by eager Slug Bugs wanting to imitate John McEnroe, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.

Sherwood, normally a team helper throughout the week, hadn't played the sport since high school when she stood opposite Holmberg on the court.

"It really was a lot of fun out there," Sherwood said. "It's all about going out there and having a good time with the kids. Seeing big smiles on their faces and how happy they get doing their thing is what we are trying to do. If that is the judge of how well it went, it went awesome."

As far as her game leaving her years ago, she found she's got a little bit left.

"I didn't do too bad," she said. "I hit it too hard a few times, and he (Holmberg) won, but I'm really glad that I got a chance to participate."

The team enjoyed a picnic complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, shrimp salad and cookies.

They passed out awards and trophies as they reflected on a summer season dwindling down.

"We've been able to bring a smile to so many of their faces," Camp said of the team. "Regardless of where we go, they always seem to have a good time.

"And that's what it's all about. Bringing a good time to everyone that is involved."

The bowling season is next for the Craig Special Olympics team, as the Craig Cobras bowling team will hit the Thunder Rolls lanes beginning in two weeks.

"It's sad to see the summer season come to an end," Camp said. "But, the fall season is right around the corner."

John Vandelinder can be reached at 875-1793 or jvandelinder@craigdailypress.com.