WESCO Empowerment Represented At Iowa Special Olympics

WESCO Empowerment Represented At Iowa Special Olympics

Denison, IA (July 1, 2022) – Each year, the Iowa Special Olympics brings athletes from around the state in a competition that inspires people in their communities to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. During the 2022 competition, athletes from WESCO Industries embodied that spirit of inspiration and empowerment in the District and State events.

Recounting her experience at the Iowa Special Olympics, Stephanie, WESCO Staff Member said, “Watching these guys cheer each other on, give high fives to strangers and faces full of smiles all day–even after starting their day before 6 am–is exactly why I love what I do!” 

Leading up to the State competition were Districts. Held in Le Mars, Iowa, back in April, Team WESCO represented the Denison area well. 13 individuals would win to go onto the State event (District results shown below).

Team WESCO’s enthusiasm for the games was on full display at State Special Olympics in Ames, Iowa. Seven individuals won their respective events, and overall, team members placed within the top ten in each competition. 

Just as in any great sports story, the will of athletes to give it their all can create some truly powerful moments. During the 50-meter dash, Team WESCO’s Jaydon Kinney was neck and neck with a competitor all the way through to the finish line, placing 2nd by only 0.06 of a second. 

A near photo-finish for the team happened in another heat of the 50-meter dash. WESCO’s Karl McCall won the race with only 0.01 of a second separating 1st and 2nd place. 

It’s safe to say each one of these amazing individuals did exceptionally well (State results shown below). WESCO would like to congratulate all who participated this year; the community is immensely spirited by your accomplishments. 

“We are so proud of each and every one of these individuals who gave it their all,” said Clay Adams, Executive Director of WESCO Industries. 

Learn more about how WESCO Industries empowers people, by visiting WESCOInd.org

District Results

25-Meter Walk:

Teresa Barnes – 1st

50-Meter Walk:

Mike Scherff – 1st

Phillip Wilson – 1st

Billy Steffen – 2nd

100-Meter Walk:

Ryan Boeck – 2nd

Nick Johnson – 1st

Josh Jovel – 1st

Daniel Swearingen – 1st

Lana Wanninger – 1st

Teresa Wishman – 1st

Toni Wishman – 2nd

50-Meter Dash:

Jaydon Kinney – 1st

Karl McCall – 1st

100-Meter Dash:

Kevin Alvarado – 3rd

Jed Carrell – 1st

Karl McCall – 1st

Softball Throw:

Josh Jovel – 1st

Nick Johnson – 2nd

Phillip Wilson – 1st

Diane Fineran – 5th

Dan Clutter – 1st

Billy Steffen – 1st

Lana Wanninger – 1st

Teresa Wishman – 3rd

Toni Wishman – 2nd

Teresa Barnes – 4th

Mini Javelin:

Kevin Alvarado – 2nd

Ryan Boeck – 2nd

Jed Carrell – 1st

Jaydon Kinney – 2nd

Mike Lingle – 3rd

Brian Olerich – 2nd

Daniel Swearingen – 1st

Shot Put:

Scott Burroughs – 1st

Mike Scherff – 1st

State Results

25-Meter Walk:

Teresa Barnes – 1st

Mike Scherff – 1st

50-Meter Walk:

Philip Wilson – 6th

100-Meter Walk:

Nick Johnson – 4th
Joshua Jovel – 1st

Daniel Swearingen – 3rd

Lana Wanninger – 2nd

Teresa Wishman – 1st

100-Meter Dash:

Jed Carrell – 2nd

Karl McCall – 1st

Softball Throw:

Dan Clutter – 3rd

Joshua Jovel – 3rd

William Steffen – 2nd

Lana Wanninger – 1st

Philip Wilson – 2nd

Mini Javelin:

Jed Carrell – 3rd

Daniel Swearingen – 5th

Shot Put:

Scott Burroughs – 1st

Mike Scherff – 1st

Seeing so many individuals succeed in life and being able to transition back into the community is the best part of my job. - WESCO Industries Employee
They can't tell you when you start this job there may come a time where you find you're more comfortable surrounded by people with developmental disabilities than when you are with the general population. But it happens. - WESCO Industries Employee
Until someone has had their own experience with someone with a developmental disability, they just won't understand. - WESCO Industries Employee
I’m so grateful this job became my purpose, my passion & part of my identity. WESCO Industries Employee