The Orland Park Owls Special Recreation Flag Football made a guest appearance Monday night at the village board meeting days after surviving a thrilling 37-34 victory over the Rockford Red Hots in Peoria to cap off a perfect season.
The Owls capped off an undefeated season that saw them come together as a cohesive unit, said Michaela Trail, head coach of the Owls who also serves as a recreational specialist in the village’s special recreation division.
“The best part of being around these players is seeing the enjoyment they get from week to week and the camaraderie they show from sport to sport,” she said. “Most of these players participate in multiple sports.
Trail said the group of athletes “is just so great to coach. They listen and they try their best,” she said. ““And that’s what makes it so much more enjoyable.”
Trail said most of the players are involved in multiple sports throughout the year. She said they participate in sports that include football, basketball and swimming.
Justin Banks, the village’s coordinator of the Owls’ athletic program, said participants compete in sports “all year round.”
“The only difference is that there are some modifications like in the number of players and the size of the fields,” he said. “Other than that, the rules and the play are the same.”