Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary is basketball crazy right now.

First the annual house league program held its closing weekend.  Next, the senior boy’s basketball team won the city title and advanced to OFSAA in Windsor.

But that’s not all.  On Tuesday Feb. 26, some very special Newman students put on the Cardinal uniform and headed to the University of Guelph for the Special Olympics High School Basketball Challenge.

Coached by teachers Jeff Zwolak and Gerry Moretuzzo, a large contingent of Newman staff and students invaded Guelph for an exciting day.

“This was our first time wearing a Newman jersey, and it was awesome” said team captain Ernesto Caruso.

This was the school’s first experience at this event.

“For our first experience we did very well”, said Coach Moretuzzo.

The Cardinals ended the day with a 1-5 record, losing some very close games.  Their win came against Kitchener’s Resurrection Secondary School.

Zwolak added, “Every player scored at least one basket, and their smiles made the day complete.”

The day was well run.  Every player left with recognition and a ribbon.

“I have coached many teams in many different sports for many years, but this one was the most rewarding” said Moretuzzo.

Next up for the Newman Special Olympics Team is soccer.  “Tryouts start after March Break” said Caruso.

Zwolak stated, “Our administration and whole school community really got behind our team once they saw all the effort our players were giving.  We are going to enter a similar soccer tournament at Player’s Paradise in Grimsby for April.”