Unified track and field allows students of all abilities to train, compete, and experience team unity through the sport.

The team is made up of both Algonquin and Westborough high school students and composed of a fifty-fifty ratio of students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Similar to varsity girls and boys spring track, the events include 100m, 400m, 800m, 4×1 relay, 4×4 relay, javelin, shot put, and long jump.

“We try to stay as close to meeting the MIAA rules as we can,” science teacher and team coach Kevin Hausmann said.

Not only does the team allow individuals to make a difference, but it also fosters unity and friendship which keep the athletes coming back.

“In life we’re all a part of the same community and the unified team allows students of all abilities to be a part of it,” special education teacher and assistant coach Felicia Rutigliano said.

“The practices and meets are a lot of fun and we all get along very well,” senior Jennie Kush said.

Team practices begin with a warm up followed by the athletes participating in all the events that interest them.

“On Tuesdays we’ll run, Wednesdays are meet days, and on Thursdays we practice throwing,” junior captain Brittany Kern said.

In small groups, the athletes work on learning new skills with help from the specialty coaches of the girls and boys track teams.

There are three meets this season and 13 total unified track and field teams in the state.

“At meets, all athletes score points, so all athletes are contributing to the outcome of the meets,” Hausmann said.

These points have paid off, as the Algonquin team has placed second two years in a row behind Nashoba.

“This year a team goal is to have an even better season and beat Nashoba,” Kush said.

However, it’s not all about winning for the unified team.

“You develop leadership skills and get to test your own abilities,” Kern said.

“Seeing the students eager to succeed and form friendships with each other has to be the most rewarding part of coaching this team,” Hausmann said.

The team hopes to increase in size and have students supporting athletes from the stands this year.

“We’d like to find ways to showcase the team in order to spark interest in other students and expand our team,” Hausmann said.

“I wish more students knew how important it is for students of less ability to feel included,” Rutigliano said.