Special Olympian Jacob Catron makes history in Iola, Kansas

Jacob Catron becomes the first Special Olympian to be nominated and win Athlete of the Month award

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game or match involving Special Olympics athletes and their peers, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors.A Special Olympics athlete's historic achievement in sports highlights the growing inclusion and representation of people with intellectual disabilities in their local community.Iola Today

Jacob Catron, a Special Olympian from Iola High School in Kansas, made history by becoming the first Special Olympian to be nominated for and win the Athlete of the Month award in his local community. Catron, who loves playing basketball, was nominated by his peers and the public vote overwhelmingly selected him as the winner, far surpassing the typical 150 votes for the monthly award.

Why it matters

This achievement highlights the growing inclusion and recognition of Special Olympics athletes in mainstream sports and community events. Catron's win demonstrates the public's willingness to celebrate the accomplishments of athletes with intellectual disabilities, challenging stereotypes and promoting greater diversity and representation in local sports coverage.

The details

Jacob Catron, a Special Olympics athlete at Iola High School, was nominated for the Athlete of the Month award by his 'Peer Buddies' - fellow high school students who assist and support the Special Olympics athletes. Catron, who loves playing basketball, received far more votes than the typical 150 votes cast for the monthly award, with the public overwhelmingly selecting him as the winner. This marked the first time in the history of the Iola Register's Athlete of the Month program that a Special Olympian had been nominated and won the award.

  • Jacob Catron was nominated for Athlete of the Month in April 2026.

The players

Jacob Catron

A Special Olympics athlete at Iola High School who loves playing basketball.

Marlee Wehstoff

An Iola High School senior who is part of the 'Peer Buddies' program that supports Special Olympics athletes like Jacob Catron.

Sydney Ebberts

An Iola High School sophomore who is part of the 'Peer Buddies' program and spends time with Jacob Catron.

Jimmy Potts

The sports editor of the Iola Register, the local newspaper that runs the Athlete of the Month award.

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What they’re saying

“He is very happy, always. Sometimes he gets a little grumpy, but he's a good kid.”

— Sydney Ebberts, Iola High School sophomore

“It was the first time in the paper's history since we've been doing this that we've had a Special Olympian nominated.”

— Jimmy Potts, Iola Register Sports Editor

What’s next

The Iola Register plans to continue highlighting the achievements of local Special Olympics athletes and promoting greater inclusion in their sports coverage.

The takeaway

Jacob Catron's historic win as the first Special Olympian to be named Athlete of the Month in Iola, Kansas demonstrates the growing public embrace of athletes with intellectual disabilities and the power of community support to celebrate their accomplishments.