Unified Cougars

05/29/2026

Album link (click here): https://photos.huegen.org/index.php/apps/memories/a/1DspKbfYL1Hxk4pl6mGfEmCqp9owhmM8
Central's Unified Track team earned 3rd place in today's IHSA State Finals at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, their second consecutive trip to the State Final competition. I was able to take some photos of the team camp and long jump before I had to rush off to Central's regional semi-final baseball game at Father McGivney HS. Unified Track and Field brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as teammates, building inclusion, confidence, and shared achievement in a joint program with IHSA and Special Olympics Illinois.

05/29/2026

Unified Cougars are bringing home 3rd in State!!

8:15-8:20pm we will be in CC! Es**rt from Beckemeyer to Central!! Old 50. Line the streets!

05/29/2026

💜🖤

Good luck to Central Unified Track who is also heading to State. 2a. Vs East st Louis and Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High.

Jackson Krack
Jackson White
Dameyn Rakers
Nick Huelsmann
Julia Heimann
Mia Mueller
Nathan Guardian
Delayni Davinroy
Mackenzie Foster
Dalton Baker
Landon Baker
Aidan Huegen
Chase Heimann
Abigayle Haller
Lucas Leemon
Rhett Malone
Dawson Rueter
Rylie Tolan

200m
Aidan Huegen
Chase Heimann
Julia Heimann
Mia Mueller

200M
Dalton Baker
Rylie Tolan
Delayni Davinroy
Dameyn Rakers

400m
Dawson Reuter
Jackson Krack
Nicholas Huelsmann
Chase Heimann

4x100
Nicholas Huelsmann
Landon Baker
Dameyn Rakers
Dalton Baker

05/26/2026

🖤💜 The Unified Cougars are STATE BOUND May 28th💜🖤

Thursday our athletes head to state and we could not be more proud of this team. Their hard work, determination, teamwork, and heart have been incredible to watch all season long.

They represent what Unified is all about. Inclusion, friendship, sportsmanship, and competing together as one team... And a Regional Championship thrown in the mix!

Good luck to our Unified Cougars as they take the big stage this Thursday. Make memories, have fun, and know Clinton County is cheering you on every step of the way.

05/12/2026

Take a peek at what team is featured for the IHSA track and field tournament web page!

Let's do it again!

Each May, Special Olympics Illinois and the IHSA join together to host the IHSA Unified Team Track and Field State Tournament alongside the IHSA Boys State Track & Field Competition.

05/05/2026

04/28/2026

Photo Credit: Matt Wilson

09/16/2025

Once a Unified Cougar, always a Unified Cougar! 🐾💜

Past and present members of Unified Track & Unified Esports continue to shine. Jacob Wuebbles and Nicholas Huelsmann, teammates on the Clinton County Cats Special Olympics team, hit the lanes Sunday at the Region J District Bowling Tournament at St. Clair Bowl and walked away with Silver medals!

Way to go, Jacob and Nicholas! Your Unified Cougar family is proud of you!

09/02/2025

Look at our Captain!

Way to rock it out Nick!

HUGE Congratulations goes out to Nick Huelsmann for receiving the "Yes I Can!!" Award from the Illinois Council of Exceptional Children!!

The following was written in the nomination letter that was submitted for Nick:

"Nick Huelsmann isn’t JUST a student at Central, he is a key piece of what makes our school special. To anyone who crosses his path, he is a reminder of the power of positivity, the strength of a kind heart, and the beauty of never giving up. From the moment he walks through the school doors each morning, Nick radiates a joy that is contagious.

Nick has special needs, but anyone who meets him quickly learns that his challenges are simply a part of who he is, not what he is defined by. He has an infectious smile, a laugh that can brighten even the darkest days, and an unmatched enthusiasm for life. Whether he is navigating the halls, participating in class, or winning State Championships for our Unified Track team, Nick is always ready with a knuckle bump to share with friends, teachers, coaches, and especially those who seem to be having a tough day."

The “Yes I Can” awards program honors and celebrates the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities. The primary purpose of this award is to encourage individuals to seek their highest potential. The secondary goal is to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with exceptionalities.

In addition to being recognized and applauded for his efforts, each "Yes I Can!" Award recipient will:

Be invited to attend the ICEC Fall Convention awards ceremony luncheon to receive their award.
Receive a “Yes I Can” Award Certificate.
Have their nomination submitted to the National CEC award review committee
Way to go, Nick!! We are so proud of you!!

08/06/2025

Thank you, BNB!

The Unified Cougars are incredibly grateful for your generous donation and championship t-shirts! 💜🏅

Your support helps us celebrate not just a state title but the power of inclusion, teamwork, and community.

Special thanks to Ian Timmermann, Donna Tebbe, and Laura Diesen for presenting the contribution on behalf of BNB.

We’re proud to have you as part of our team!