ADAPTIVE TRACK HEATS UP

Usually, the start of the adaptive track season comes well into the summer season. Prairie Grit Athletes meet once a week, on a Wednesday night, throughout the summer. They throw shotput and javelin, they try a long jump, and run the track. It’s a fun practice – but there is no timed heat, no spectators, just themselves and the hot sun heating the track. But this year Prairie Grit track started earlier, and the heat was turned up.

It wasn’t just because it was hot early on that May morning at Duane Carlson Stadium. Yes, the sun beamed down on middle school athletes warming up on the track, but this day wasn’t just about competition—it was about inclusion, perseverance, and breaking down barriers. It was the start of something. The athletes didn’t know that, and the parents weren’t aware but the trail was blazed. Among the crowd of young athletes waiting for their events were three special competitors: Mason Keller, Stella Liccini, and Sophia Burdick. For the first time ever, the Minot middle school track meet featured an adaptive heat, an opportunity for athletes with disabilities to compete alongside their able-bodied peers. And it was a day to remember.

The inaugural Prairie Grit Heat was more than just another race; it was a step toward broader inclusion in school sports, something Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports had been advocating for years. As Executive Director Krystal Butgereit described it, “This was the first step toward including adaptive athletes in more track and field meets, more sports, and more opportunities within our community. It's not just about creating space; it's about changing a mindset.” 

The Courage to Compete

For these three athletes, the track felt different that day. In an environment where nerves can often get the best of any competitor, Mason, Stella, and Sophia stood tall, waiting their turns. The crowd, a mixture of students and parents, passively watching on until the adaptive athletes stepped up, then the cheers grew even louder.

Stella leading the heat in the 400M

Mason Keller, known for his love of sled hockey and CrossFit, took to the 400 meters and shotput with determination. “Mason was very motivated to do his best,” said his mom, Melissa Keller. “During practices with Prairie Grit, he hadn’t run the entire lap, but at the meet, he ran the whole length, feeling like a true competitor.”

Stella Liccini, who participates in everything from cross-country to gymnastics, had a similar experience. Her mom, Hilory, was struck by the support Stella received from her classmates. “The best part of the day was when students in the stands cheered for the PG athletes by name. They knew them because they are their classmates and peers. It didn’t feel like there was an ‘us/them’ mentality—they were just excited to cheer them on as athletes, peers, and friends.”

Mason Keller Finishing his 100m Dash

Sophia Burdick, accompanied by her father and bolstered by the practice Prairie Grit provided before the meet, took on the 100 meters with grit. Her dad, Zach Burdick, described the emotional moment as Sophia ran across the field, greeted by classmates and parents cheering extra loud. “Sophia gets anxious around large crowds,” he explained. “But after warming up and seeing familiar faces, she was smiling and squealing, trying to communicate with her friends about what she was going to do.”

For these athletes, it wasn’t just about participation—it was about showing what they could achieve when given the chance.

A Shift in the Community

What made this event truly special was the overwhelming support from the broader community. Butgereit remarked on how the Minot High track and field coaches helped ensure the event ran smoothly and how the crowd responded with high-fives, cheers, and genuine enthusiasm. “Our community has wrapped their arms around our mission,” she said. “At the event, coaches and classmates cheered just as loud, if not louder, for our participants as they competed. Inclusion wasn’t just seen, but felt by our participants and their families.”

Parents, too, were moved by the overwhelming positivity surrounding the day. Melissa Keller reflected on the pride she felt when Mason heard his name announced as the winner of both the shotput and the 100 meters. “It took a lot of courage for these three athletes to be the first to compete at a middle school track meet as adaptive athletes,” she said. “But seeing the students cheer for Mason and the others was a step in the right direction.”

 The Road Ahead for Adaptive Sports

This track meet marked an important milestone in Prairie Grit’s journey toward greater inclusion in competitive sports. While this year’s adaptive division only featured three participants, it paved the way for future opportunities. “The future of adaptive sports is moving toward inclusion and integration,” Butgereit explained. “Not a separate date, time, or venue from their peers, but alongside their peers, learning from and cheering for each other.”

For the Burdick family, this event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible. “I never fathomed that Sophia would have an opportunity like this,” Zach said. “It was emotional seeing the middle school athletes and parents cheering extra loud for the PG athletes. It was priceless.”

Sophia Burdick rushing to the finish line

Hilory Liccini echoed this sentiment, noting that the experience opened doors for Stella’s continued participation in sports like cross country. “Stella's confidence has skyrocketed,” she said. “This opportunity showed her what it’s like to be part of a team, and now, she runs with the rest of the cross-country team, feeling included in every way.

A Legacy of Grit

As the day at Duane Carlson Stadium drew to a close, the significance of what had just taken place lingered in the minds of everyone present. Prairie Grit’s adaptive athletes had not only competed, but they had also inspired others with their courage, determination, and resilience. This event was more than just a race; it was a celebration of inclusion, a testament to the power of community, and a glimpse into the bright future of adaptive sports.

As the stadium emptied and the athletes packed up their gear, one thing was clear: adaptive track is heating up. For Mason, Stella, Sophia, and future athletes like them, the track is wide open, ready for more moments of triumph and celebration. And for Prairie Grit, the mission continues—proving that with the right support and opportunities, every athlete can shine.

tears from the podium

The setting was familiar. She was sitting in the same gym she has been bringing her two daughters to since they were 3 years old. Perched on cold hard steel bleachers on the east end of Minot, Holly Haman was in a familiar place, but the emotions she was feeling were new – at least at Gymagic Gymnastics. “I was so nervous for them,” Holly recalls about that cold February day. Those feels were perfectly placed because for her and 7 other sets of parents this was a first. It was a monumental shift in the world of Minot gymnastics at Gymagic, as seven young athletes from Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports competed in their first-ever USA Gymnastics HUGS division. For these athletes, this was not just another event—it was the first time they competed on an equal stage with their peers in a USA Gymnastics-sanctioned event. Among them were sisters Emmalyn and Avalie Haman, who took first and seventh place in their division, marking a day full of firsts, triumphs, and emotional victories.

“They didn’t really understand the concept until we got there,” Holly says. “Their nerves kicked in, and they were like, ‘What is happening?’ They were excited, but really nervous because they didn’t quite grasp it until we arrived.” Despite the initial jitters, it wasn’t long before the Haman sisters began to feel the weight of the moment. Competing in front of a crowd, with the eyes of judges upon them, was an entirely new experience, one that would soon turn into a cherished memory.

Avalie Haman competing in the beam at the first HUGS division in Minot in 2024.

For Holly, the emotions were overwhelming. “We had mixed emotions,” she shares. “I was nervous for them, just hoping they would have fun. But I was proud. We felt grateful that they were included—part of something bigger than they’ve ever been part of before. My husband was nervous too, worried they might feel overwhelmed, but in the end, it all turned out great.”

And great it was. As Holly watched her daughters stand on the podium next to their friends that joined them every Sunday at Gymagic for Adaptive Gymnastics. Emmalyn in first, Avalie in seventh—the flood of pride and joy was unmistakable. “I started crying. I was so happy and proud of them. Their smiles said it all. Just feeling the inclusion and seeing them have that opportunity—it was amazing. It was the coolest thing ever.” For Holly, who grew up watching competitive gymnastics, seeing her daughters not only participate but thrive in this environment was a dream come true. “Emmalyn doesn’t let anyone forget she took first, always reminding Avalie,” Holly laughs. “But both of them are so proud—they talk about the experience every week.”

The journey to this moment was a long one, starting when the Haman sisters first began adaptive gymnastics with Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports. “As soon as they were old enough, they started,” Holly explains. “Emmalyn was the first, and as soon as Avalie turned three, she joined too. Gymnastics was their first sport with Prairie Grit, and it’s still one of their top favorites.”

As Holly reflects on their path, she marvels at how far they’ve come. “I never imagined they would have the chance to compete in gymnastics like this,” she says. “I thought maybe soccer would be a better fit because of Avalie’s hand, but adaptive sports have opened up so many possibilities. Competing with their peers—doing something I never thought possible—it’s an experience I’ll never forget. When they’re with their Prairie Grit family, there’s so much acceptance, so much confidence. They just lean on each other.”

That sense of community was palpable throughout the event, as Gymagic Minot welcomed athletes, families, and friends to witness this historic competition. For Gymagic’s staff, the day was the culmination of months of preparation and dedication. Allison Thompson, one of the coaches at Gymagic, reflected on the significance of the moment. “We feel honored to be part of our adaptive gymnasts' lives. We have fantastic athletes who have excelled in gymnastics, and this event allowed us to showcase their abilities. It was life-changing for the athletes, their families, and our team.”

Thompson also highlighted the creativity required to make gymnastics accessible for all athletes, sharing how USA Gymnastics’ HUGS program provides guidance to accommodate different needs. “We developed routines based on each athlete’s skill level, sometimes using floor beams for security, adding mats to assist with bars, or modifying routines for medical reasons. It allowed us to celebrate each athlete’s personality and skill in a way that was both safe and fun.”

Emily Olson works the balance beam as her team looks on

The atmosphere during the event was nothing short of electric. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house,” Thompson adds. “The athletes were nervous at first, but from the judges to the audience, everyone was so supportive. Our gymnasts and their parents were beaming with pride.”

The impact of this event extended far beyond the athletes in the room. Other gyms from across North Dakota have since reached out to Gymagic, eager to start their own HUGS programs. “We hope to see at least two other gyms in the state join us next season,” Thompson says. “It’s exciting to watch this program grow.”

For Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports coach Averi Bradley, the event was the culmination of countless hours of hard work and determination. “It was stressful from a coaching standpoint because I knew how great they were,” Bradley shares. “I knew their limits, and I knew they could push themselves to those limits and they caught on right away. Even if they forgot something during their routines, they improvised. Watching them go out there and just do it—it was amazing.”

Bradley witnessed a whirlwind of emotions from the athletes as they performed. “This was their first time competing individually, and it was a rush of emotions for them,” she says. “They realized, ‘This is me. I might be different but look at me—I’m still on the podium. I still get a medal just like everyone else.’” The pride from the athletes and their families was undeniable.

For Bradley, this event is just the beginning. “This shows that adaptive gymnastics is possible on a much bigger scale. It gives these athletes independence and shows them that they’re capable of more than they ever thought. We can bring this to schools, communities, and beyond.”

As the event wrapped up, one thing was clear: the HUGS division is not just a competition. It’s a movement, a celebration of inclusion and ability, and a testament to the power of adaptive sports.

For the Haman sisters and their fellow athletes, the future is bright, full of possibilities that once seemed more like a wish – a dream – something made of “maybe’s” or “somedays”. That day is today. For anyone that can recall that day in February, if they look through the tearing eyes at those athletes at the podium, with flowers and medals, they see it clear as can be. Prairie Grit gymnastics changed that day in that familiar Gymagic gym. The bar was raised. This was more than just a gymnastics meet—it was a life-changing experience, one that will inspire athletes, families, and coaches for years to come.

To read more stories like this, check out our With Grit Annual Report.

Hess Corporation Supports Adaptive Summer Programs

Brett Lohnes, North Dakota General Manager for Hess Corporation presents a check to Prairie Grit during the iCan Bike Camp at the YMCA July 2024

Photo (left to right)

Back: Kent Husa from iCan Shine, Katrina Marr from iCan Shine, Chauncee Knittel PGAS, Candice Deaton, Aaron Klingbeil, Toby Klingbeil, Mikkail Nehring, Krystal Butgereit PGAS, Brett Lohnes From Hess, Kelly Nissan with Hess

Front: Larry Hall Jr, Weston Boehm, Anna Johnson, Nicolai Magee, Andrew Schester

Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports Receives $27,000 Donation from Hess Corporation to Support 2024 Summer Programs

A major contribution from Hess Corporation will support an entire season of adaptive sports in the Minot area. Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports is excited to announce a generous donation of $27,000 from Hess Corporation. This contribution will significantly support the nonprofit's 2024 Summer Adaptive Sports Programs, which provide various inclusive sporting opportunities for youth and adults.

The funding will enhance Prairie Grit's summer programming, which includes adaptive soccer, dance camps, wheelchair basketball camps, adaptive fishing, and many other activities. These programs cater to individuals living with physical and mental disabilities, offering them the chance to engage in sports, build community, and enhance their quality of life.

Krystal Butgereit, Executive Director of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports, expressed her gratitude for the donation. "The continued support from Hess Corporation is making such a great impact for our athletes. This contribution will allow us to continue to grow our summer programming and sustain the high level of inclusive opportunities to our entire region."

Since its inception, Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports has impacted over 350 participants since its inception, offering more than 45 adaptive activities. The organization's mission is to provide sports opportunities for youth and adults living with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life through active participation and community involvement.

Hess Corporation’s support underscores its commitment to community involvement and inclusivity. This donation will enable Prairie Grit to continue expanding its reach and improving its offerings, ensuring that more individuals can experience the joy and benefits of adaptive sports.