The visually impaired sophomore is grateful the Illinois High School Association let him compete on the Lincoln-Way North golf team with a spotter the last two seasons.
The IHSA now has a new committee that has been tasked with increasing the number of opportunities it provides for student-athletes with disabilities, including at the state tournament level.
“I think it’s great,” Juskie said. “I’ve absolutely loved playing for North the last two years, being granted the opportunity and having coaches and staff helping and pushing me and making me a better player.”
The seven-member committee of principals and athletic directors from throughout Illinois met for the first time this week.
Member Marty Bee, the Naperville Central athletic director, said the committee will meet again in a couple of weeks. Bee said the group did not discuss specific plans, but a state track meet for disabled students, for example, might not be far off.
“We’re looking at all opportunities,” said Marty Hickman, the IHSA executive director. “A number of states are doing some things in track and field. Some are doing unified programs like the Special Olympics.
“We know some other states are doing things and we want to be as proactive as possible. Kids who participate in interscholastic athletics benefit from that, and we want to provide as many opportunities as possible.”
