Now that the “official season” is over, it is already time to begin planning next season. As I have said many times before, a runner’s season never really ends and training should continue 365 days out of the year. Take advantage of the time that most are taking off!

This past year, both our girls and boys qualified for the state meet in Carrolton. My goal next year is to win our region, take both teams to the state meet, and place in the top 15. This goal will take a lot of planning and dedication by the runners. We have always stressed the commitment of running as a family. One way to build our family and the bonds between teammates is to attend summer running camp as a team. Last year 8 of our runners attended the All American Running Camp in Asheville North Carolina. This year I would love to take our entire team to the camp to be a part of a life changing experience.

The All –American Cross Country Camp: The All-American Cross Country Camp is sponsored by Addidas and run by several of the best collegiate runners in the country. Led by Coach Rollie Geiger, head coach of North Carolina State University’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, the camp is dedicated to aiding you develop your running potential. Each camp has numerous camp counselors, ranging from highly experienced and accomplished runners to peers. Although, the All American Cross Country Camp is geared towards individuals preparing for a collegiate career in running, virtually anyone with an interest can benefit from the week-long session.

In each session, runners will learn the dynamics of running: from general fitness, to training, injury prevention, running technique, race tactics, nutrition, and academic preparation-in short, everything a runner will need to succeed as you continue your preparation for a future in running.

Christ School is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville. Participants will have the opportunity to run on trails that most only dream of. The camp also schedules many fun team building activities such as visiting local waterfalls, camp talent show, Sliding Rock, socials, and more!

Our Mission: The date for this year’s camp is July 23rd -July 28th and will include boarding and meals for the week at Christ School. The cost of the camp is about $575. I realize that this cost is a big investment for a summer camp. This is why I would like to offer a fundraising opportunity this year that will help support the cost of you attending camp with the team. 100% of the money raised by each athlete will go toward them attending camp.

The cross-country team will be participating in the Rebel Run-a-thon May 6th . You have several months to get friends, family, and sponsors to support your efforts to raise money to attend summer camp. Remember that your goal is $575! All money raised will be turned in to Coach Weese in May and will be used to pay your registration fees for camp. Anyone willing to sponsor your efforts may do so in one of the following ways: 1. Donate X amount of dollars for each mile you run at the Run-a-thon for a total of 15 miles. or 2. Donate a total amount for you participating in the event and completing it.

It will be YOUR responsibility to collect and turn in your money. If they are donating by the miles you run, you will need to go back and collect the money you earned for your run (no more than 15 miles can be paid for).

The Rebel Run-a-thon will be held at the high school May 6th . It will begin at 11:00 in the afternoon. Athletes will run together to complete their commitment made to their sponsors. The 15 mile run be split up however the runner wishes. All runners will stop for a lunch break at 1:30 (will be provided), and then continue afterwards. This is a fun event to bring the team together and help support your attendance at this year’s summer camp.

The attached sheet will be turned in a long with all money raised throughout your campaign. There are two scheduled dates to turn in money collected during the campaign. This money should be turned in to Mrs. Osella on these dates.

Money collection dates: Thursday, March 16th Thursday, April 20th

Any money collected after April 20th can be turned in to Coach Weese Saturday, May 6th

Good luck and keep running!

If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]

Start getting our Reminds straight to your phone, this way I can send you important messages about the event and upcoming information about the season. The Rebel Run-a-thon Athlete’s Name ______This year the Effingham cross country team wishes to attend the All American Cross Country Camp in Asheville North Carolina. This camp will not only provide me the experience to meet elite runners from all over the country, but also to experience my love for running on some of the most beautiful trails within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The cost of the camp is $575, which is a big investment, and therefore I am asking for support from friends and family to help me attend one of the most prestigious running camps in the country.

Thank you for sponsoring my efforts to attend the All-American Cross Country Camp in Asheville, North Carolina this summer with my team. You can help with my fund raising campaign one of two ways.

Options 1: Donate by the mile- On May 6th I will be participating in a Run-a-thon at the school in which I am committed to run up to 15 miles to fulfill my commitment to my sponsors. or Option 2: Donate to the cause: You may also choose to donate a set sum that I can use to for admission to camp.

These two options have been shown as examples below. First Name Last Name Phone Number or email Donation per Miles run Total Mile on 4/16 Donation Example 1: Mark Weese (912)123-4567 $2 15 miles $2 X 15 = $30

Example 2: Charlie Weese [email protected] ------8 miles $20 donation First Name Last Name Phone Number or email Donation per Miles run Total Mile on 4/16 Donation

Total money collected and turned in $______