Okanogan County Sasquatch win medals at regional meet

OTHELLO — The Okanogan County Sasquatch soccer team traveled to Othello on Saturday, April 25, for the Regional Special Olympics competition, where athletes competed in individual skills events and unified team play.

Under sunny and breezy conditions, athletes in the individual skills division took part in drills focused on dribbling, shooting, running and kicking. Scores from each drill were combined to determine winners in brackets based on age, gender and previously demonstrated skill levels.

Coach Connie Iten said athletes continued to improve throughout the season and performed well in competition.

Justin Tretikoff earned a silver medal in his bracket, as did Jaxsin Rizzonelli. Khloie Davis won gold and qualified for the state games in May.

After receiving their medals, athletes cheered on the unified Sasquatch team. Iten said the team showed strong sportsmanship throughout the tournament, highlighting goalkeeper Michael Munroe.

Coaches Maribel Pio and Melchior Pio said the unified team played five games en route to a bronze medal.

The Sasquatch won seeding games against Spokane Side by Side and Yakima Lightning before falling to WSU. In bracket play, the team lost its first game to WSU.

In the bronze-medal game against Spokane Side by Side, the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. Robert Christensen converted the eighth penalty shot to give Okanogan County a 5-4 victory and secure the bronze medal.