Sports

Whiz Kids: Hot Shots! Headed to State Finals

Royal Oak Special Olympics Team Gets Ready for March Madness

Whiz Kids: Robbie Ellwood, 22; Joe Rex, 24; Brett Wagner, 24; Philip Cowan, 20; Anthony Kucharski, 19; Matt Meister, 18; Michael Mendez, 18; Jon Gelman, 21; Erik Edwards, 20; Liane Matzenbach, 18; Scott Veselenak, 18; and Michael Misuraca, 17.

Accomplishment: Members of the Royal Oak Hot Shots! made it to the Special Olympics state basketball finals.

Key to awesomeness: The team – led by coach Barry Cowan, of Royal Oak, and assistant coach Mena Muray – secured a spot in states by winning the district basketball tournament in Saline in late February. About 750 athletes will compete in the state finals in Rockford on Friday and Saturday.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Do you know our next Whiz Kid?

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout? How about a school group that worked on a project for charity? Did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honorees.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Each week Royal Oak Patch seeks suggestions from readers for individual children, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to editor Victoria Mitchell. Be sure to include all of the following information:

  • Nominator's name
  • Whiz Kid's name and age
  • Whiz Kid's school
  • Whiz Kid's accomplishment
  • Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)
  • Whiz Kid photo or video


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