Bearcat Basketball Players Assist at Special Olympics Event

Bearcat Basketball Players Assist at Special Olympics Event

By Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

SALEM, ORE. -- Members of the Willamette University men's basketball team, led by captains Robbie Kunke (Jr., Wing, Clackamas, OR/Clackamas HS) and Ryan Meehan (Jr., Wing, Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS), volunteered their time at the Salem Special Olympics basketball tournament on Saturday, April 3. The tournament was held in the Sparks Center on the Willamette campus.

The event, which was organized by Willamette student Emily Johnson, paired WU athletes with four different Special Olympics teams. The players coached, officiated and aided the athletes during their games and other activities.

Twelve members of the men's team, along with a few members of the women's basketball team, took time out of their weekend to help with the event.

The men's basketball team finished the 2009-10 season with a 9-16 overall record and a 6-10 record in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats won five of their last six games under the director of first-year Head Coach Kip Ioane.

Team co-captain Ryan Meehan and other Bearcats volunteered at the Salem Special Olympics basketball tournament.