Over thirty youth distance runners from seven area schools attended the Randall Creek Running Camp this past June 23-25. The running camp was organized by Andes Central/ Dakota Christian Cross Country Coach Larry Lucas.

Each morning the runners did a 3-4 mile run and then participated in activities to develop a strong core, establish and achieve personal goals, persevere and overcome daily troubles, and build a positive attitude with a winner’s philosophy.

Tim Weidenbach with Higher Power Sports spoke to the runners on how to make their athletic interests a priority in their lives and to develop positive character traits. Tim has worked with Dakota Weselyn as well as other colleges to help athletic teams be ready mentally for their contests.

The camp concluded on Friday morning with a 5K fun run followed by a motivational talk from Allan Bertram who is the director of Sacred Hoops Basketball. Allan talked of three elements you need to be successful – pride, passion, and purpose. Without these characteristics it is easy to have a less than average interest in a sport or in life in general.

Other fun activities were playing frisbee disc golf, swimming, fishing, and enjoying the views of the Missouri River. The runners were able to interact with each other from the different schools.

This year the cross country season begins with organized practices on August 12, the first meet day is August 27, and the state meet will be October 23. The coaches and runners attending the camp all left with positive plans for the remainder of the summer and for a successful cross country season.

Runners and coaches who attended the camp were: Lexi Schoenfelder, Tony Hansum, and Easton Schoenfelder from Andes Central/Dakota Christian; Teddy Slaba and Presley Slaba from Wagner; Tyler Tjeerdsma from Avon; Memphis Kaul from Bon Homme; Garner Burrus and Fin Adams from Burke; Bridget Thomas, Summer Skluzak, Josie McCord, Alli McCord, Autumn Baker, Lily Baker, Christiane Gaulke, Taya Chelmo, Rhys Truman, Drew Ekstrum, Park Sinclair, Zian Vaverka, Zada Liferman, and David Lieferman from Kimball/White Lake; and Tayelan Wingert, Memphis Shoal, Ash Grass Rope, Aiden Grass Rope, and Mason Ryan from Lyman County.

Special thanks to the Andes Central Athletic Boosters for their support to bring in motivational speakers to the running camp.