Once every few weeks, the greater Oshkosh area comes together to celebrate athletes of all abilities in the Adaptive Sports League [ASL]. On February 4, West hosted the Oshkosh North team to compete in floor hockey. Although the Spartans came out on top, many groups came out to support the organization as a whole.

North coach and creator of the ASL, Korey Kleinhans, appreciates the support of the competition.

“My favorite part in creating this league is the community and camaraderie we have built here,” he said. “Tonight is by far the best turnout we’ve had, with a pep band, the dance team, team introductions, and a student section.”

Kleinhans also appreciates the support of teachers and administrators.

“On top of that, both athletic directors are here and fully support us, and administrators are starting to take note of these events,” he said. “Everyone wants to get involved, which is awesome and really fulfilling to see.”

Senior Michael Stack has many reasons for supporting the ASL.

“I go to the Adapted Sports League because I am a part of Connected Club and wanted to come out and support some of the people from there,” said Stack. “I am also friends with Gus, and really wanted to support him.”

West Coach Pierce Geffers sees a wide set of benefits for the athletes.

“The league gives these students an opportunity to play a full season of sports, giving them something to do other than sit at home,” said Geffers. “This league also allows the students to learn how to be part of a team. The community built in both the teams, and between the two teams, is truly amazing.”

These types of sports leagues have been sporadically popping up throughout the state. Geffers found inspiration for the league in La Crosse.

“Two years ago, Korey helped to start the program in the La Crosse area, and brought the idea up for around here,” he said. “We went down and watched the state hockey tournament in Adapted Sports down there, and after seeing the competition, it really changed my entire mindset.”

According to Kleinhans, there has been tremendous growth throughout the Midwest.

“I originally got this league from the La Crosse area, where they have six teams now within the area,” Kleinhans said. “They got their ideas from Minnesota, so it’s trickling East. There are two other programs like ours in Wisconsin, one in Sun Prairie, and the other in New Salem.”

However, Kleinhans sought to create a league tailored specifically to the wants of Oshkosh.

“Being an adapted physical education teacher at North, as well as the former Special Olympics Coordinator, I knew that I wanted to start some type of competitive sports program just for the high school students,” he said. “I didn’t like how many Special Olympics events were held on weekends, which made attendance tough for parents with multiple kids. Unfortunately, students with disabilities get put on the back burner; so we wanted to make the kids feel like the priority.”

In addition to the competitions, Kleinhans wanted to make other events, like practices, the most convenient.

“Just like all the other athletes, we operate right after school with both practices and competitions,” he said. “As a result, our attendance has dramatically increased, and the knowledge and awareness of others has increased, as far as the competitiveness of these athletes.”

Stack emphasizes the immense support from the community.

“I think the community aspect, specifically the support around the disabled community, has been great,” he said. “It’s not about the score of the game, but instead it’s about being active while fostering healthy relationships on and off the court.”

Geffers finds great fulfillment from coaching in and being a part of this great cause.

“I’ve been a basketball and baseball coach here for 10 years, but this is different,” Geffers said. “This is drastically different and so much more rewarding than everything I’ve ever done before.”

Stack appreciates the positive culture surrounding the league.

“People should show up because it’s a fun environment that everyone should be welcome in, and you get to support the community as a whole, which is a great thing to be a part of,” he said.

By John Vanden Heuvel

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 5

February 22nd, 2022

ASL athletes hit court for community driven floor hockey competition