The Katy Wolf Pack celebrated their 25th anniversary on September 28 at its annual banquet, held this year at Tompkins High School in the Main Commons at 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd. in Katy. The red carpet event was filled with paparazzi, music, dancing and food as over 100 Special Olympic athletes and their 350 guests came together to honor all the hard work the athletes have put in over this past year, according to organizers.

Special recognitions were awarded to a few of the group’s founders, including Sandi Dancel, Robin Judman and the Wolf Pack’s namesake, Don Wolf. Plaques were also distributed to the sponsors “that have helped the Wolf Pack fulfill their dreams,” said organizer Sue LaPrade in an interview with the Katy Times.

The Wolf Pack was founded in the spring of 1999 by parents Robin Judman and Patsy Hopkins, who had tirelessly requested for Katy ISD to create a Special Olympic Delegation for their sons and others, said LaPrade. They were finally given the green light, and with the help of Kathryn McClintock, the KISD Special Education Director at the time, an arrangement was made for a contingent of eight KISD Special Athletes to practice and participate in track with the “Alief Superstars,” a Special Olympic team within the Alief School District. Katy ISD only needed to provide a coach and a coaching assistant. McClintock reached out to Don Wolf, a KISD Special Education teacher to see if he would be willing to be the needed coach and he did not hesitate. He was joined by his teaching assistant, Farrah Murray and together the two worked countless hours to prepare their athletes. The season was successful and culminated with the 1999 Special Olympic Summer Games at Rice University where the “Katy Contingent” became bearers of numerous medals.

It was so successful, said LaPrade, that Wolf was determined to form a non-school affiliated team so that all Special Athletes regardless of age or ability could participate in a competitive sport environment. So, with the help of the parents and volunteers, the “Katy Stampede” was born. At this time, Sandi Dancel, a Katy ISD paraprofessional, heeded the call for needed volunteers and stepped up to the plate. With addition of Dancel, the new delegation started to flourish.

“After just a few seasons of hard work and growth, the parents and volunteers felt it was time to honor Don for all that he has done for the Katy Special Needs Community and a unanimous decision was made to rename the delegation,” said LaPrade. “The ‘Katy Wolf Pack’ was born. Don Wolf, Sandi Dancel and Robin Judman have continued to nurture the Wolf Pack over the years and their compassion and hard work -- along with other key volunteers -- are what has provided the foundation that this team continues to thrive on.”

Over the last 25 years, the program has grown. “We started with eight athletes and participated in one sport and now we have over 175 athletes and participate in eight sports,” said LaPrade. “We were constantly surprised at how, given the opportunity, how much these athletes have accomplished. We have seen athletes gain confidence and pride in their abilities. Isolation has dissipated as they have developed lifelong bonds and friendships with their peers. They have in turn taught the volunteers and coaches to never set limits and to expect the unexpected.”

What is the Wolf Pack looking forward to in the next 25 years?

“We would love to see more community volunteers and support. More sponsorships to help our program,” said LaPrade. “These are vital for our continued growth and our goal to serve as many athletes as we possibly can.”