Candyland

Last official day of practice: CC Candyland! We normally do this *much* earlier in the season, but we had a very wet year for the course, and it never quite fit into the schedule. Better late than never! It's always amazing how hard runners will work for treats. ;)

Sections 2016

Congratulations to our 2016 MN State Cross Country Qualifiers! Sophomore Erika Swanson came in 3rd place, and 9th-grader Jerilynn Simmer took 7th at the Section 5A Cross Country meet yesterday in Milaca. These two diligently put in the summer miles, trained consistently, and raced solidly all season. We are so happy to see them rewarded for their hard work, in such a fun and exciting way. St. Olaf, here they come! <3

Congrats also to the Nighthawk women's team (Swanson, Simmer, junior Naomi Brenden, sophomore Lindsey Pavlish, 9th-grader Marielle Chamberlain, junior Christine Chamberlain, and junior Sienna Chernyavsky) for placing 10th out of 18 complete (scoring) teams and setting a new Nighthawk team-time record! Personal best performances were made by Brenden and Pavlish as well as sophomore Phillip Kippley and senior Anthony Sixta from the men's team.

It's been a season of growth and transition, and we're pleased with the way our student-athletes have stepped it up in leadership, athleticism, and sportsmanship. Every season is a gift, and we're thankful for the many ways our team families and local community have supported this program.

Lefty

For those who don't run the Section meet, we like to offer a late-season opportunity for one last race. This "grade-level challenge" is a huge meet with some of the biggest schools in the area. But the runners enjoy it, and it's a great course for spectators. Congrats to Luke Swanson for setting a new 5K team record (18:02), and all the Nighthawks who raced hard to finish the season--ALMOST ALL set personal records!

Burn

This has become a bit of a tradition (because we've done it two years in a row ;) )--recognizing, praying over, and burning our fears and lies. We're into the last days of the season now. Finish well, Nighthawks!

Games

"Whipemsockoff" is a new game in development, for which we need to work out a few quirks. :D But overall everyone was a good sport about it, and we'll see if it survives the end-of-season popularity poll!

Track on Grass

Litchfield is one of those beloved "track on grass" type courses--flat and FAST! It also comes near the end of the season, so although it's a hefty drive (thank you, team parents!), it's a pretty good recipe for lots of PR's and team records. And typical of this season, rain was involved, but fortunately it waited until the tail end of the event.

2nd Annual CC Jr.

The 2nd Annual CC Jr. run was a success! This family event is our way of thanking the younger team-siblings for being our biggest fans. The sibs (20+ of them) enter races of various distances (up to 1 mile) while the Nighthawk runners serve as meet directors, race starters, timers, chute helpers, awards presenters, and more. Thanks to all who participated!