Sports : VS cross country runners camp out; to begin camp Monday

VS team members played, worked, learned and of course, ran together during their camp out.

Cross Country camp-out: VS athletes run at camp Belva Deer.

On Monday July 29, the VSHS Cross Country team ventured to Lake Belva Deer for a team camp out. Coach Frazier along with chaperones; Carolyn Frazier, Jeff Mangold, Heather Kalous, NIcole Guenther, Nancy Jorgensen, Pat Jorgensen, Kyle Schminke, Rich MIracle and Nathaniel Brandt made the trek with 36 athletes to the newly renovated camp outside of Sigourney, Iowa.

Once the kids stepped off the bus and got settled into the cabins, "the games" began. Throughout the 3 day camp, the group was split into teams with "mini olympic" events each day. Other activities included trail runs, canoeing, beach volleyball, timed runs, hikes, fishing, conditioning, and swimming. The camp concluded with a faux meet at the North English country club where the team ran a 2.5 mile race.

Four guest speakers appeared through out the camp as well. The Keokuk County Sheriff's dept was there to converse with the kids about safety, good choices and consequences. The Park Ranger/Naturalist from Lake Belva Deer gave an oversight of the park and it's history. He being a huge supporter of the sport, gave recommendations of places to run in the park for workouts. A nutritionist from ISU visited on the importance of a balanced diet through out the year not just during the cross country season. Our final speaker was the athletic director from Maharishi University. She gave insight to the importance of positive mental focus during a race.

The camp out was a very successful bonding experience for the entire group! The entire group displayed team support and encouragement in many ways through out the 3 day experience.

Monday Aug 5, the VSHS team begins its official team camp. Meet at the high school at 5p.m. Monday and check out and partake in this great team/sport.