Service Project

Our first service project of the year: selling concessions at the City of Hanover, Minnesota's winter movie in the park. Such a fun night. The kids learned about planning, budgeting, sales, inventory, and more. We were a few dollars above break-even and brought in some tips as well. Now what to do with the remaining 48 pounds of popcorn...!

The Dual: Minnesota Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Track & Field (Indoors)

Went to the Minnesota-Wisconsin dual to get some track & field inspiration. Bonus: Bill Thornton, our retired St. Olaf College track coach, was there officiating! The athletics were *astounding*. And blurry. Because that's what happens when you run fast. Whoever gets the blurriest, wins. Can't wait 'til March!

Rocky

One of our college track buddies mentioned this clip from Rocky IV... A lack of training facilities didn't stop Rocky, and it won't stop us, ha!

Proposal

People often assume that homeschoolers have the right to use public school facilities in their taxpayer districts. Mmm...not quite. We haven't given up yet--ever try to *rent* a track stadium? :D --but we do have to get somewhat creative with practice times and locations.

Last week, we attended our local City Council meeting to introduce our team and negotiate indoor early-season stretching/gathering space in a large, empty room. (We will run outdoors, but March isn't exactly meet-on-the-lawn weather.) This was a bonus opportunity as an educational glimpse into local government, but we had no idea how we'd be received or whether we'd be able to afford it.

Well, the first words from the City Administrator were, "This was the group that rented our hall for their awards banquet and left it cleaner than when they arrived." (Yes!!) They were remarkably supportive of our program and suggested volunteer service in exchange for certain practice-space days until ice-out. Win-win! After all, engaging in our local community is part of our vision.

A little encouragement goes a long way. We take the steps we can see, and trust God for the next ones. Now to fill out the rest of our practice-location lineup and meet schedule. It's quite the journey and very exciting for those not faint of heart. :)

TRACK!

The Northwest Nighthawks are excited to announce the addition of a track team this spring!

You can find the latest info HERE.

Although all of our races will be on the track, and we are planning to practice one day/week on an actual track (negotiations still in progress and hopefully "closer in" to the cities), the other days we will be training on roads/trails (Hanover area, just like in cross country). So don't worry about spending all your time "running around in circles." :)

We're in the midst of much change...name changes, website changes, facebook changes, and email changes... Thanks for your grace and patience as we launch this exciting new endeavor.

Our team orientation meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2016, 7:00 P.M. at the Hanover City Hall. This is a mandatory meeting (all athletes and at least one parent from each family) and is the last day to register before late fees go into effect. Bring your completed registration forms, and we'll see you there!