District 128 Special Olympics Coach Andy Compton won the Maggiano’s Hero Award on Nov. 30, 2011.
Compton first got involved in the Special Olympics when he volunteered at Vernon Hills High School’s integrated gym class. He started the Special Olympics program after hearing about the one at Palatine High School. The program includes LHS students as well as VHHS students. Compton still works at VHHS teaching driver’s education and P.E. and has continued the program; it has been running for 11 years. Compton very much enjoys his work with his athletes.
“It is very fulfilling for all involved. To me, Special Olympics is a reflection of how I feel life and sports could and should be. Everyone supports one another and truly encourages each other to be the best person they can be,” Compton said.
The Special Olympics is an athletically challenging experience. They provide year-round athletic competition and training for children and adults with disabilities.
“He leads and shows them how to correct their shot in basketball, how to run in snowshoes, how to run fast for track, works with them on bowling skills, works with them on their bocce skills,” said Compton’s assistant coach, Jim Rogers.
The award is the culmination of all of the vast admiration of his work. His fellow coaches have nothing but praise to say of him.
“Mr. Compton is truly a great coach and well respected by the athletes,” Rogers said.
Compton has also made an impact on his athletes, who know him as a funny and supporting coach. He’s gone out of his way to give them opportunities and experiences, such as going a Bulls game.
“He got me on the floor where the Bulls play. I got to sit where the players are,” LHS sophomore and Special Olympics athlete Nick Zaccari said.
He also connects to his athletes on a personal level, goofing around and making himself available for chats and jokes. In addition to making sports like basketball and bacce fun, he is also very supportive.
“He’s a nice, cool coach. He cheers us on in the basketball games and is very supportive of all of us,” LHS sophomore and Special Olympics athlete Ellie Goldberg said.
Compton plans to continue the Special Olympics and be a coach to future athletes to come.
“I hope to do whatever it takes to make this program a place where our students, athletes and non-athletes can grow as people and be proud of what they have accomplished along the way,” Compton said.
Photo courtesy of A. Compton