For Wayne County’s own Zachary Potter, the last few months have been nothing short of remarkable.
A 2019 graduate of Honesdale High School, Potter just recently returned from the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota where he powered his way to a place on the podium in bowling.
“I can’t believe I won a silver medal,” said the 25-year-old from Prompton. “I had a lot of fun and I’m really proud to be part of the Pennsylvania team.”
Zach qualified for this year’s national event by winning gold and bronze at the Special Olympics state competition back in March. That performance allowed him to punch his ticket in both singles and unified doubles.
“Zach gave it his best and I am so very proud of him, what he accomplished, and the memories he made,” said Bette Ann Baerenklau, who first suggested he give bowling a try one summer at Dyberry Day Camp. “Zach represented the Northeast Region (Area P) so well and did an awesome job.”
Place on the podium
Zach is the son of Brad and Amy Potter. He honed his skills for the big event by practicing religiously at the Wallenpaupack Bowling and Sports Center.
The Potter family boarded a plane in Philadelphia on June 19 bound for Minneapolis. Opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics USA Games took place June 20 at Huntington Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
A total of 4,000 athletes representing all 50 states took part in 19 different sports including swimming, powerlifting, flag football and bowling. The games received comprehensive national media coverage headed up by ESPN.
Zach bowled in the preliminary round on June 22, then hit the big stage the next day for individual action. He was a model of consistency at the national tournament, opening his three-game set with a 121. He followed that up with a 96, then closed things out with a 123.
Zach’s series score of 340 earned him a silver medal in his bracket. He also competed with his dad in the unified doubles division on June 24. While this dynamic duo just missed the podium, they still notched a top five finish overall.
According to his mom, Zach’s favorite parts about the nearly weeklong adventure were meeting new people, making new friends and participating in the opening ceremonies.
“We are just so proud of Zach for going outside his comfort zone and competing on a national level,” Amy said. “It was awesome seeing him go to a place he had never been with people he didn’t know.”
Well-rounded young man
A well-rounded young man with a solid blue-collar work ethic, Zach is a key part of the custodial department at the Wayne County Courthouse.
Back in March, the local Jersey Mike’s franchise hosted the Potter family for a “Day of Giving.” A portion of the proceeds from all sales that day were donated to the Special Olympics.
Zach also competes in Special Olympics golf, collects Pokémon cards and excels at many different video games. On the lanes, he uses a 12-pound red, silver and black Ebonite Maxim ball. His top single game score to date is a 165.
“He amazes us every minute of every day,” Amy said. “Zach has such a great attitude and he never has a bad word to say about anybody.”
