Despite being only one year old, the Sedona Red Rockers Unified Special Olympics team is already a force to be reckoned with. The Red Rockers took part in the Special Olympics Summer Games on Saturday, May 4, and came home with 11 medals.

The Red Rockers are coached by Tiffany Colburn, a Career Essentials, Life Skills, Adaptive PE teacher at Sedona Red Rocks Junior and Senior High School.

“It was a spectacular event and the kids did an amazing job last week,” Colburn said. “Most of them earned gold and if they didn’t win, they placed very well which was great to watch.”

When the Red Rockers were not competing, the were partaking in a plethora of activities.

Aldo Lara-Ayala came up big for the Red Rockers in an effort that inspired his teacher.

“I am going through my second miscarriage right now and he found out after I told him why I was crying,” Colburn said. “He told me he would win a gold medal for me, our team and the entire school and he did just that.”

Lara-Ayala won gold in the 100-meter wheelchair race and in the unified 2×50-meter relay.

“He went above what he did in last year’s Summer Games and had an exceptional
day,” Colburn said. “It made me feel like everything I had done for Aldo over the years had been worth it.”

Lara-Ayala also finished fourth in the unified shotput.

Ismael Garcia earned gold in the unified 2×50 meter relay and placed fourth in the unified shot put.

“I expected a couple of golds to return home with us, but the kids easily exceeded my expectations,” Colburn said. “I am very pleased with their performances like I have been all year.”

Tai Scharnhorst came home with multiple medals, as he earned silver in the unified 2×50 meters and bronze in the 100-meter dash.

Scharnhorst also placed fourth in the unified turbo javelin.

Lincoln Frye earned silver in the unified 2×50-meter relay and fourth in the unified turbo javelin.

It was a big day for Laura Landaverde, as she placed first in the 100 meter dash and in the tennis ball throw.

Landaverde also earned a bronze medal in the unified 2×50-meter relay.

Trenton Hyer earned a bronze medal in the unified 2×50-meter relay, while Mikey Stavrenos placed fourth.

Jude Lowney earned gold in the tennis ball throw and a participation award in the 100-meter walk.

“One of my favorite moments was Jude finishing her three competitions despite being uncomfortable in a new environment,” Colburn said. “Even though she was tired because it was not the best time of day for her, she still pushed through and did great in all her events.”

Lowney also placed fourth in the 2×50-meter relay.

“I told the kids how proud of them I was after the event, but we were all exhausted by then,” Colburn said. “After working their tails off, they were slumped in the chairs and ready to go home.”

Colburn also thanks Diana Morisson and Officer Jacqueline McQuaid for their contributions to the Red Rockers.

“Those two have supported me through thick and thin and have helped make this program run a lot smoother,” Colburn said. “They have been a great support team and I am hoping our support grows, so we can make our program that best it can be for its students.”

Up next for the Red Rockers is a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, June 8, at the Sedona Elks Lodge. The event begins at 6 p.m.

Next year, the Red Rockers hope to receive national recognition for their program.

“We are waiting to find out if we are champions, so I am hoping we qualify,” Colburn said. “Next year, we want to take a step above this year and increase our school’s engagement with the program.”

“Hopefully, we can arrange more fundraisers and fun events for the community,” she continued.