KCSD’s Unified Sports kicks off with basketball – and unrivaled community support

Feb. 13, 2026 / Frank couldn’t miss — and the crowd couldn’t sit still.

During a basketball halftime scrimmage this winter, the Klamath County Transition Program student sank shot after shot, turning a short game into a full-blown celebration and helping a new districtwide program designed to make sports more inclusive for everyone.

Unified Sports, supported through Special Olympics, is designed to do something simple — and powerful: give students with and without disabilities the chance to compete side-by-side as teammates. KCSD’s first season of Unified Basketball included 30 athletes and five coaches, and organizers say the response from schools and the community has been so positive that plans are already underway for Unified Track and Field this spring. For more photos: UNIFIED BASKETBALL 2026

“The response to Unified Sports has been overwhelmingly positive, more than we could even have imagined,” said Alex Stork, who is co-facilitating the program with Randy Denson, KCSD’s special services principal. Stork is the teacher for the Klamath County Transition Program.

The teams started practicing in early January and competed throughout the season, playing games at halftime scrimmages, including a half-time performance at an Oregon Tech basketball game, and school assemblies.

The program quickly became a highlight at school events across the district. Coaches said one of the most meaningful parts of the season was seeing fans from rival schools unite to support Unified athletes.

“A lot of times we go into games that are very competitive -- in-town rival games,” Stork said. “And then it’s really cool because you get to see both sides of the fans supporting and encouraging our Unified athletes during halftime.”

At the Mazama–Henley halftime scrimmage, the audience stayed in the stands and cheered throughout, and cheerleaders joined in to support Unified athletes.

Stork said the energy and attitude of the partner athletes are key to the success of the Unified program.  “This is all about team -- and that’s what we feel like sports should be about,” Stork said. “Facilitating opportunities for others.”

Max Rodgers, a junior at Mazama High School, joined Unified as a partner athlete. He said the teamwork-focused experience is great for the athletes. “Being a partner has had a huge impact on my life,” he said. “Being able to come out here every day, and give basketball a purpose, is such a great deal. It makes these kids happy – and it makes me happy.”

Partner athlete Addie Hayes is a senior at Henley High School.  “I decided to become a partner for Unified because I think it is a way to include everyone in high school sports,” she said. 

When athletes shine: What Unified is all about
Coaches, players, and spectators pointed to several standout moments this season — including performances from student athletes who became fan favorites. 

One of those was Frank Fleming, the Transition student who became known for his energy, friendliness, and shooting ability.

It was at a halftime scrimmage during the Lost River-Bonanza varsity basketball game, that Frank made three consecutive shots and four total shots in a 10-minute period, earning him a fan base and the nickname “GOAT.” During a recent game at a Lost River school assembly, the teams were tied at the buzzer and went into overtime – first shot wins. Frank made that game-winning shot as South County students cheered -- a moment coaches said couldn’t have been scripted any better.

“He’s a great shooter. He loves to play basketball,” Stork said. “He’s never met a stranger -- such a friendly personality -- and his teammates have really championed him this season.”

The program also includes athletes such as Joe Long, who participates in a wheelchair, and AJ Steinbock, who is known for his effort and determination. Both are students at Mazama High School.

“I’ve enjoyed shooting balls with my teammates and getting to know them better and becoming friends,” AJ said following a recent team practice.

To ensure Joe is fully included in gameplay, coaches selected partners who could focus on supporting him. At one event, Joe was handed the ball and pushed down the court. Coaches also developed plays that incorporate Joe into the action, including one where he is used as a screen in the paint to help another student score. 

Connections beyond the court
While the program is centered around athletics, coaches emphasized that one of the biggest impacts is happening off the court.

Many of the athletes participate in KCSD’s Bridges and Goals special education programs, and coaches said Unified Sports is helping build relationships that wouldn’t typically form during a regular school day.

“A lot of the partners said they’ve never had that experience and haven’t gotten to know a lot of the athletes before,” Stork said. “Now they see them in the hallways, they’re on the bus together, and they’re socializing and cracking jokes together. It feels like any other team on the bus.”

Klamath County School District helped make the program possible by allocating funds for coaching stipends, resources, and uniforms. Because the program launched quickly, coaches described the first season as “building the plane as we fly it,” with halftime scrimmages and assemblies serving as an introduction model. In the future, KCSD hopes to move toward longer games and standalone competitions.

KCSD Unified Sports will continue this spring with Unified Track and Field, which also will include both partner athletes and student athletes. Track and field will include six events: 50-meter walk, 100-meter run, 4x1 relay (two partners and two athletes), turbo javelin (a rubber javelin-style throw), shot put, and long jump. Coaches hope to expand events in future years as the program grows.

Looking ahead
KCSD Unified Sports leaders plan to offer three seasonal programs moving forward: Soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track and Field in the spring.

As participation grows, the district hopes to develop separate North County and South County teams and eventually host more structured practices. Long-term, coaches also hope to expand competition opportunities against other established Unified programs, including Medford and teams in Central Oregon.

The Unified teams are co-ed and open to students in 9th- through 12th-grades as well as students in the district’s Klamath County Transition Program. Those interested in participating or learning more about the Unified Sports program should contact Alex Stork at 541-891-0188. The district is also looking for team coaches and volunteers. If you are interested in participating, volunteering, or coaching, please fill out the KCSD Unified Sports Interest Form.