As the 2025 Unified Track season begins, athletes of all abilities are gearing up for an exciting season of competition, growth and camaraderie.

Unified Track is a special program designed to offer athletes with and without disabilities the opportunity to compete together, showing inclusivity and a sense of community.

For students like senior Dawson Zorubaugh, senior Joelle Pearson and sophomore Anthony Kirk, this program has been a great source of pride and personal growth.

Zorbaugh, a key member of the Unified Track program, began his involvement out of a desire to work with life skills students.

“Honestly, working with the life skills students throughout the school day, I just started helping out here and there, and now I am a teacher’s assistant in the classroom and help out every single day in class,” Zorbaugh said.

His passion for inclusion is evident when the realization that his perspective for the team is rooted in positivity and support.

“Everyone on the team loves each other, it’s just love all around all the time,” Zorbaugh said. “Everyone bringing each other up, whether we win, lose, or tie, everyone’s in a good mood, lifting each other up, and in good spirits.”

For Dawson, being the manager of the Unified Track team has provided him an opportunity for growth.

“Being able to spend more time with my friends and the life skill students I help teach in the classroom” has been especially rewarding, Zorbaugh said. Zorbaugh believes that inclusion and teamwork are essential in sports, adding “If you don’t have a team, there is no way to compete as a team against another team.”

Senior Joelle Pearson, another standout athlete on the team, enjoys both the social aspect and physical challenges of Unified Track.

“I like throwing the minijab and spending time with Mrs. Hedrick and running the 100 meter,” Pearson said.

Pearson is quick to credit her coaches for making the experience enjoyable.

“Mrs. Hedrick and Miss Murphy are very, very good coaches,” Pearson said. “I’m thinking of both of them.”

Her passion for sports extends beyond her performance with her pride in her teammate’s achievements.

“When someone does really good in a race or when I,” Joelle said, smiling. “ I feel joyful when I finish a race.”

Pearson’s commitment to pushing through challenges and supporting her team is apparent, helping her to stay motivated during tough times.

“For me, I just keep trying. Keep trying. Keep pushing,” Pearson said.

Sophomore Anthony Kirk, another inspirational athlete on the team, was drawn to the track.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to have fun and make friends,” Kirk said.

Reflecting on his early experiences, Kirk recalled his first race.

“I was a little slow back then, but it was a good race,” Kirk said. Over time, he’s worked hard to improve his skills, incorporating arm workouts into his training. “I do arm workouts and stuff like that,” Kirk said.

Kirk’s proudest moment came when he beat the entire class in the 100-meter dash.

When I ran the 100-meter dash I beat the whole class,” he said with a grin. Kirk credits Zorbaugh as his biggest influence, noting their close bond.

“ I feel like he’s my brother,” Kirk said. “We talk a lot, and he even calls me too if I’m upset.”

The spirit of camaraderie and support is one of the key factors that makes the team so special.

The essence of Unified Track lies in its emphasis on inclusion, teamwork, and mutual support. As Zorbaugh, Pearson, and Kirk’s experiences demonstrate, these values are not only for the outcome of the race or event but also for the personal growth of each athlete individually.

Zorbaugh encourages anyone who is hesitant to join the sport.

“Join it,” Zorbaugh said. “ It’s a lot of fun, and it’s love all around. There is zero hate.”

The Unified Track team continues to grow, offering athletes a chance to compete, collaborate and build lasting friendships in an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and teamwork.