T-shirts

Yes, you can still register for 2016 Track & Field! Things are coming together more and more as the season approaches, including the inaugural season t-shirts:

Additional clothing options will come online when the Team Store opens in the next couple of weeks. Thanks to J&J Athletics for making it happen. Lots of excitement around here!

Found This

Sometimes a simple google search can bring a surprise...I'm writing this in November 2016 but backdating this to February so it falls into our blog/story chronologically. Here you go:

"Just as Heisman Trophy Winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow made headlines as a homeschooled student playing public high school football more than a decade ago, Erika Swanson recently made history for homeschoolers at the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) State Championship..." 
http://www.onenewsnow.com/education/2016/02/06/homeschool-athletes-on-the-rise

Um...I have to chuckle--yes, this year was a big journey, but it's not exactly the NFL. :D So thanks, Tim Tebow; congratulations, Erika; and much appreciation to so many supporters involved in the journey!

Nighthawks Make National News

Wow. Nighthawk Cross Country made national homeschooling news! Thanks to all who've been part of the story: team members, families, friends, sponsors, and competitors too. A year ago, we had no idea any of this was on the horizon. So thankful for God's leading in each tentative step. It's been quite the journey.

 

Read the full article here: http://hslda.org/hs/state/mn/201602010.asp

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. :)