Two years ago, Coach Nick Ward made a Fluco first, starting the first special education basketball team at Fluvanna County High School. The Medford Basketball League is a Special Olympics basketball team that was started in Chesterfield in 1972, and has since spread throughout Virginia. “I started it to give all students a chance to play basketball,” said Ward. The team is made up of FCHS special education students from the classes of Amy McCauley, Bob Peake and Ward.

Last year, the team asked the school and community to donate quarters to help pay for the team’s equipment and travel expenses. While their original goal was to get enough quarters to make one lap around the track, they raised enough coins to make over three laps instead. “We raised over $1,000 last year, ” said Ward. This year, Ward is selling Country Meat Sticks to raise money for the team. He sells them next to the elevators on the third floor before 2nd and 3rd block for $1 each. “We’d like to raise around $1,000 again,” said Ward.

With a season starting Jan. 12, the team will have 14 games and their toughest competition will be a tournament in Prince Edward.  This year, Nelson, Goochland, and Amelia will be joining the league, next to Fluvanna, Prince Edward, Appomattox, Cumberland, and Buckingham.

Last season, they finished in 4th place in the tournament, so they’re looking forward to starting the next season and improving their basketball skills. Team member Taylor Beach said he is “excited” to start the new season. “I’m looking forward to the students being able to show their abilities, show off their skills and I think we’ll do well,” said Ward. “I want to win,” said team member Antwyon Wells.