Students invited to join Unified Track

Sports can be for everyone!

That’s the message the Montgomery County Unified Track and Field Team is trying to send.

Unified Track and Field is open to students in grades sixth-12th who have a disability and are interested in sports.

Kim Crouch, a sixth grade math teacher at McNabb Middle School and middle school co-coach, is in her fourth year coaching for Unified events.

“This year we are working on being a Unified Champion School at MCHS and McNabb. We are running a campaign of inclusion to kick off the season, which is going on this week,” Crouch told the Advocate.

Crouch said she’s unsure when Montgomery County began offering participation in Unified events, but it’s been done each year she’s coached.

“I was an assistant coach for middle school track four years ago. I was asked to coach Unified at that time. That year, I was fortunate to take a Unified runner and his peer partner to the state tournament. My hope is that we can go back to the state tournament again this year.”

Unified is open to male and female students and there is no fee to participate, Crouch said, as it’s part of the track program that has received grant funds.

The students will compete in events and tournaments. There will be Unified events at most regular track meets. 

“If they qualify, they will compete in the regional competition as well as the state competition,” according to Crouch.

Every Unified athlete is paired with a non-Unified track athlete, which is a peer partner. They practice together and they compete in Unified events together. Peer partners usually have other events outside of Unified events to compete in as well.

Practice has already begun at the high school with Coach Michael Darren Short and middle school practice began this week.

Practice is held once a week with the Varsity Track Team. A current sports physical is required. Unified athletes may attend team practices but will work with their peer partner once a week.

“I hope that athletes gain a sense of belonging. I want them to increase their confidence, to know that they can do anything they set their minds to and I want them to make meaningful friendships,” Crouch said.

“My goal for our team is to redefine stereotypes, build teamwork and teach good sportsmanship, while gaining community support as we raise awareness for our Unified team,” she added.

For questions or additional information about participating contact Crouch at kim.crouch@montgomery.kyschools.us.