Cory Saeger, 36, from West Bend has been an award winning athlete in Special Olympics for years.

“I’ve got a lot of medals in a shoebox,” said Saeger who has competed in powerlifting at the World and National levels. “My World Game medals mean the most to me because I worked so hard for them.”

The 6-foot-3 Saeger tips the scales at over 210 pounds and will be going to Nebraska this year for softball.

“It’s a real thrill for me to participate; it’s fun to get around and meet other teams.”

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN WELL REPRESENTED...

The Special Olympics team from Prairie du Chien came loaded for bear this weekend as 18 athletes coached by Pam Wieser are prepared to take over the track and field competition.

“We’ve been practicing twice a week since the middle a March and we’ve been doing some exercises just to stay in shape,” said Wieser who has been coming to the Summer Games in Stevens Point the last four years.

“Everybody has a good time coming out here and they have big smiles just being here, it doesn’t matter if they get the gold.”

Michelle Gruper is scheduled to compete in the turbojaveline throw, the standing long jump and the 25 meter walk “I’ve been practicing twice a week and I’ve been working very hard,” said Gruper who has her sights set on winning a medal.

Some of the other events in track and field include softball throw, fast walking, and high jump.

REEDSBURG AREA READY TO HAVE FUN...

Dan Gasser has brought his Reedburg area school district team to this year’s Summer Games.

“This is my tenth year coaching,” said Gasser who oversees three different sports including basketball, bowling and now track and field.

“It’s just cool to see everybody improve, become more confident and build new friendships.”

 Zac Dier is 6-foot-3 and carries a rather intimidating physique into the shot-put competition.

“I’ve been practicing pretty good. My best throw was in the competition in Oregon where my toss was 9.44 meters but for practice I almost made it past 10 meters,” said Dier.

At 16-years-old he said he’s not ready to turn professional yet, just have fun.

For more details on this year's Special Olympics Summer Games check out stories on the opening day ceremonies and an interview with honorary spokesman A.J. Hawk of the Green Bay Packers.

Preps on The Net has also compiled several photo galleries on our front page.