By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
MCDONALD'S SWNEWS4U.COM GAME OF THE WEEK (Special Olympics): Spring Wisconsin State Basketball Tournament
Platteville wins Division 9 State title
Special Olympics
The Platteville Cardinals won the Division 9 state title at the Special Olympics Wisconsin State Basketball Tournament at UW–Oshkosh over the weekend. Members of the team include (front, from left) Jesse Larson, Valerie Gobrecht, Miranda McAuliffe, Derek Whalen, (back) Cody Canon, Kenny Canon, coach Trudy Gobrecht, manager Gene Rood and Sam Miles.

MCDONALD'S SWNEWS4U.COM GAME OF THE WEEK (April 14–21)
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Wisconsin State Basketball Tourament
By Jason Nihles, The Platteville Journal / Boscobel Dial / Fennimore Times

Platteville Cardinals wins Division 9 State Basketball Tournament

OSHKOSH — The Platteville Cardinals Special Olympics basketball team win the Division 9 state title over the weekend at the 2026 Special Olympics Wisconsin State Basketball Tournament at UW–Oshkosh.

The Cardinals played outstanding in their round robin three victories to secure the gold medal.

Platteville first dominated Fort Atkinson Night Hawks 34–3 in its opening game of the tournament, before beating the Fox Cities SOAR Hawks 45–14 to improve to 2–0.

The Cardinals then dominated Hartford Red Hawks 46–10 to win the state championship.

The were 14 four-team round robin divisions at this year’s Wisconsin State Basketball Tournament, which was held Saturday and Sunday at UW–Oshkosh’s Kolf Center.

Platteville qualified for state with regional wins over Waunakee and West Madison at the Verona Regional on March 8.

Special Olympics Team Basketball consists of traditional or unified 5v5 teams competing in full-court, timed competition.

One of Special Olympics Wisconsin’s most popular team sports, Team Basketball has one round of qualifying before culminating at Spring Games.

Members of the team include Jesse Larson, Valerie Gobrecht, Miranda McAuliffer, Derek Whalen, Cody Cannon, Kenny Canon, Sam Miles and manager Gene Rood.

The Cardinals are coached by Trudy Gobrecht.

The Platteville Special Olympics program has two basketball teams, a softball team, a track and field team, and numerous winter bowlers.

Special Olympics is a global movement to create a new world of inclusion and community through sports.

“In Wisconsin, we want every person to feel accepted and welcomed, regardless of their ability or disability. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier, and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time,” reads the Special Olympics Wisconsin website.