Local students win big at state Special Olympics

Jessie Serio was in no condition to swim in a race - let alone three in the most important competition of her life.

But even with a 103-degree fever, the Jacobs High School sophomore swam the 50-meter backstroke, the 100-meter freestyle and the third leg of a relay - all on one day.

For her efforts, Jessie, along with her relay team, won a gold medal in June's Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games at Illinois State University in Normal.

"I was really happy," Jessie said Thursday.

Jessie, who was coached by Greg Sexton and Carelin Ryan, also won bronze medals in her freestyle and backstroke events - despite feeling sick.

"She was holding her breath for the last 25 (meters) of her 100 so she wouldn't get sick in the pool," said Jessie's mother, Lori Novak. "Then she got right back in and did her backstroke."

Jessie, who lives in Hampshire, is one of at least four students in Community Unit District 300 to win medals at Special Olympics events this year.

All the athletes got the chance to compete because of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, a Crystal Lake-based organization that provides recreational programs to people with disabilities in McHenry County and surrounding areas.

This year, the special recreation association sent 42 athletes to the Summer Games and won 38 gold medals, 22 silver medals and 11 bronze medals.

"They work so hard all year toward this event," said Dave Dauphin, regional coordinator of Special Olympics for the recreation association. "It's a sight to see when they get that gold medal. They know they've achieved something."

The Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association serves about 1,100 people, and about 200 athletes compete through the association in 17 Special Olympics sports, Dauphin said.

"It's like the awesomest thing," Jessie said. "It's better than going to school."

Another Jacobs student, Algonquin senior Kayla Barnard, won a gold medal in figure skating in February at the Special Olympics Winter Games in Galena.

"It feels really good," said Kayla, who was coached by Zane Shropshire. "I was kind of surprised that I won. I had only been skating three years."

Kayla's mom, Patti Barnard, said she was amazed Kayla was able to skate so well because Kayla's disability made most other sports - and her classes - a challenge.

"School's such a struggle for her, so it's nice to have something she can excel in," Patti said.

Jessie and Kayla said they hope to qualify for the state Special Olympics games again next year.

"I'm going to keep swimming until I die," Jessie said.