LEONARDTOWN, Md. — For the athletes standing inside the St. Mary’s County commissioners’ meeting room Tuesday morning, the silver medal represented more than the final score of a basketball game.
It marked years of playing together, an opportunity to represent Maryland on a national stage and friendships that have grown into something closer to family.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County honored the local men’s basketball team that represented Team Maryland at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games during their Aug. 25 meeting.
Commissioner Scott Ostrow presented the proclamation recognizing the athletes, unified partners and coaches for earning a silver medal at the national competition.
“It’s a privilege to be able to deliver this,” Ostrow said before reading the proclamation.
Hard Work Earns National Recognition
The proclamation recognized team members Rodta Maddox, Will Gough, Anthony Cyrus, Louis Scott, Marty Goldsborough and Shaun Ridley.
Head coach Don Bewick and assistant coach Will Ridley guided the team through the competition. The county’s meeting documents identified Gough and Scott as unified partners.
“The team’s success is attributed to their hard work, dedication to excellence and unwavering determination,” Ostrow read from the proclamation.
Commissioners also acknowledged the athletes’ families, loved ones, trainers and the Special Olympics of St. Mary’s County organization for supporting the team throughout its journey.
The proclamation, signed by all five commissioners, commended the team for its “outstanding performance” and dedication to both the team and the community.
Teammates Become Family
After the proclamation was presented, the players and coaches took turns describing what the experience meant to them.
Shaun Ridley thanked his teammates, coaches and the commissioners for recognizing and supporting the team.
“I want to thank these guys right over here,” Ridley said. “We thank you very much.”
Gough said he was proud to return to the court alongside the team each year, while Goldsborough described the experience of playing with his teammates as “incredible.”
Scott reflected on the relationships the players formed over their years together and the work that led to their silver medal.
“Shout out to my brothers here,” Scott said. “It was great to go on this adventure with you guys and compete, and I’m glad that we were able to earn something to show all our hard work.”
For Scott, however, the team’s greatest achievement could not be measured by a medal alone.
“Playing with you guys throughout the years has been a real blessing,” he said. “I consider you guys family, so thank you for everything that you guys have done.”
An Experience Beyond Basketball
Assistant coach Will Ridley called it a privilege to coach the team as it represented Maryland at the USA Games.
Bewick said the players worked hard throughout the experience but also embraced the opportunities surrounding the competition.
“Not only did they compete and play, but they had a lot of fun,” Bewick said. “They met a lot of friends and family, so it was a great experience.”
The ceremony concluded with commissioners, coaches and team members gathering for photographs — the athletes’ silver-medal accomplishment now formally recognized by the community they represented.
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