Captains' Practices

When: Saturdays at 9am beginning June 13

Where: Elm Creek Beach (by the playground)

Who: All interested skiers, junior high through senior high

****** If you are planning to rollerski, remember to bring all the equipment you need:  Rollerskis, Poles, Helmet, Boots  *******  There will be other workout options as well.

Questions?  Derek: 763-923-9507  Sam: 763-257-3630  Anne: 763-807-3859  Amy: 763-486-0154

________________________________________

The inaugural TRI-PLE CHALLENGE kids indoor triathlon event will be held at Maple Grove Junior High this Saturday, May 30 at 9am.  It will be a fun and safe way to give a tri a try.

Info and registration form here.

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Summer...the best time to train for skiing

All Senior High skiers are invited to attend a meeting in Gerst's room on Friday, May 22.  The meeting will start right after school and should last about an hour.  Information about captains' practices and summer training, as well as rollerski rental.

Junior High and other skiers unable to attend can get the info from the website in the near future.

Rollerski Rental Info:

If you are signed up for an organized summer ski program (ie: GoTraining, Minneapolis ski Club, NordicWerks) and need a pair of rollerskis you
have first dibs on renting a pair, but you have to let Coach Sanborn know ASAP (763-300-2153).  Deadline for this priority service is Friday May 29th. Anyone else is encouraged to rent as well.

Rollerskis sitting in your garage will do you no good though, so don't rent unless you are going to use!

Two types available: Marwe Combis (Solomon Bindings) - Classic or Skate.  Rental $50
Elpex Classics (Solomon Bindings) - Classic only, do not skate on these you will ruin the softer wheels, and be responsible for replacing them ($100).  Rental $30

If you are running a lot over the summer your legs will be getting lots of work.  If you want to work your upper body as well, the Elpex will work
fine just for double poling and single sticking.

Checks made out to Maple Grove Nordic Ski Booster.  Skis are currently available and can be picked up at the meeting on May 22 or from Sanborn's...payment is required to take the skis with you.

Give a kid a lift ticket, fitness for a day.  Teach a kid to Nordic ski, fitness for a lifetime. -Sanborn

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Team meeting after school on Tuesday, February 17

All skiers should attend if possible!  Wax room clean-out, uniform turn-in, athletic department survey, captain selection.

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Stating the Facts

Congratulations to our state participants:  Miranda, Matt, Erin, Hannah, and John!

Girls results  Boys results

All-State honors went to John (12th overall) and Hannah (22nd overall)...to give an idea of how difficult this is, only two other skiers from our conference and only two skiers from Wayzata finished in the top 25.

 Relay results...Tommy finished in the top ten and if the teams were scored on style, we would have won.

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Great job at the JV Conference meet!

     Happy to report that everyone completed the whole race and no one fell into the lake at the bottom of the burner! Results here.

No official practice today...wax room is open for state meet and relay skiers.

*****

State Pasta Party, everyone welcome
February 11th at 5:30 pm
Place : Amanda Burkholder's House
8918 Tewsbury Gate N.   763-420-3294
Seniors/Juniors: Bread or Salad
Sophomores: Dessert   Junior High: Drinks

______________________________________

 

No practice after school today, Monday, February 9!!

 The wax room is open.  Tomorrow's race is still on.

 ------------------------------------------------------

State of the Team

Friday, February 6

 

We have 5 state qualifiers coming out of the section meet yesterday:

Congratulations go to John Wessling, Matt Jackels, Hannah Sanborn, Miranda Aarons and Erin Pankow!!

Boys team took third place, Girls team took second.

Results here.

**There is NO practice at Giants Ridge tomorrow...get some sleep, get healthy.**

 

Changes to the JV Conference Championship:

Because of the warm weather, the meet has been moved to Elm Creek where we can count on the manmade snow.

Tuesday, February 10 instead of Monday. 

Skate race only, beginning at 4, junior high ride the shuttle bus. 

Junior high and JV skiers are encouraged to wax their skis today or Monday at practice.

 

Team and Individual photos are available for viewing.

www.prepsportography.com

If you didn't get your pictures on Friday, you can pick them up at the meet on Tuesday.

If you didn't have an order envelope or check on picture day, you can order from the website.

Also, the action shots can be ordered, with 100% of the proceeds going to the booster club.

 

Volunteer opportunity!!

Shriners Hospital is looking for skiers from our team to help out with a winter fun day at Elm Creek. 

Spend a couple of hours on Saturday, February 28 helping physically challenged kids learn to ski. You'll get lunch, an outing on the tubing hill, a sense of satisfaction from helping these kids learn something new, plus a greater appreciation for your own wonderfully whole and healthy body.

Please contact Maureen Johnston at mjohnston@shrinenet.org or let coach Susan know you are interested.

 

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Section Schedule

 

Thursday, February 5

6:15 Bus departure from stadium/wax room

10:30 Boys classic

11:15 Girls classic

1:30 Boys skate, pursuit start

2:30 Girls skate, pursuit start

 

Camp Ripley is located about 100 miles northwest of Maple Grove. You'll want to allow at least 2 hours travel time.
Special Note: The speed limit on the base is 30 mph and 25 mph...and it is enforced. 

 

Directions to Camp Ripley.

 

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Picture Perfect

Monday, February 2

 

Team pictures tomorrow at Elm Creek...bring your race suit, boots and order form (extras will be available tomorrow).

No regular practice.

 

Pasta Party at Aarons

17592 - 81st Place North, MG

Wednesday, February 4, from 5:30 - 7pm

Bring:

Seniors/juniors: Bread or salad

Sophomores: Dessert

Junior high: Drinks

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Over the River and through the Woods...

Friday, January 30

 

Practice on Saturday, January 31, will be at Woodland Hills in Elk River.

JV/Jr high: Bring whatever equipment (skate or classic) you plan to race on at the JV Conference championship on February 9.

Bus leaves MGSH from the cafeteria door at 8:30am, returning at 11:45.

Bring dry clothes, a snack and a drink for the ride home.

 

***

A note to anyone interested in skiing the Korteloppet this year:  

You can use high school results to move up to wave 2 at the start of the race. 

About a third of the current Korte entries are HS skiers. 

You can email results to donna@birkie.com if you want to move out of wave 10.

____________________________________

Two Conference Champions!!

Congratulations to John Wessling and Hannah Sanborn on a great day of racing!

NWSC championship results: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pLiMJtreow52Rd9SnaiCSdA 

(If this link doesn't take you to results, try copying it to your browser)

 

**PRACTICE CHANGE:  Senior high:  Meet in Gerst's room after school today.**

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Neumann's Pasta Feast on Tuesday night...Info here

 

Week 13

Sunday, January 25

 

Practice on Monday at Baker for senior high; bus departs MGSH at 2:20, returns at 5pm. Bring classic equipment.

Junior high classic practice at Elm.

Contact Coach Susan for website password.

Race photos are now located under the Team link.

 

______________________________________________

 

District Pursuit results for boys and girls

 

**Change in departure time tomorrow**

 Leaving for Camp Ripley from MGSH cafeteria door at 11:30am. 

Later start due to a weather delay in the Governor's Cup race being held at Ripley in the morning.

 

Section Preview

Friday, January 23

 

The bus to Camp Ripley leaves the high school parking lot tomorrow morning at 10:30, returning before 5.  This is our only opportunity to ski the section course before race day.  All varsity skiers are encouraged to come.

Please bring a lunch, drink, snacks and warm clothing.  Check back for any changes in the schedule due to weather.

 

JV/Junior High skiers:  You will have at least one more meet, either Wednesday January 28 at Baker, or on Monday February 9.

Please continue to come to practice!

 

Picture day is February 3...order envelopes will be available next week.

______________________________________________

Classic results and start list for Thursday's pursuit

 

Double up

Tuesday, January 20

 

The skate half of the pursuit race is scheduled for Thursday; it will be the same transportation arrangements as today with the junior high skiers being excused early for the bus and the senior high skiers finding their own rides to Elm Creek.  Boys race begins at 3:30, followed by girls.

 

Tomorrow we are scheduled to practice at Baker.  This is partly because Elm is hosting a meet that was postponed from last week and also to give our kids a chance to ski on the conference course.  The bus will leave MGSH at 2:20, then pick up at OJH at 2:30, and MGJH at 2:45.  Junior high skiers will need notes again, 15 minutes ahead of pick up.  Please let us know if your skier will not be attending practice tomorrow due to school or health concerns.

 

Since we had a pasta party last night and the kids won't be back at MGSH until 5:15 tomorrow, we have cancelled tomorrow night's pasta party at Neumann's.  The wax room will be open during the evening.

 

___________________________________

Race photos

Check the Quicklinks for a website with race photos, thanks to the Aarons family. We will be adding to it so keep checking back...if you would prefer that your skier's photo is not included, please let us know.

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Mid-week Update

Wednesday, January 14

 

Here's the scoop:

1.  Tomorrow's classic race is being postponed until next Tuesday, January 20. 

The skate pursuit portion is still scheduled for Thursday, January 22.

 

2. The pasta party at Wesslings is changed to Monday night at 5pm.

 

3. Monday's Jamboree has been cancelled.

 

4. Practice:  Wednesday @ Elm Creek

Thursday @ Elm Creek

Friday: SrHigh @ Baker French Park (bus leaves at 2:30, returns at 5), JrHigh @ Elm

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Walk-out Freezer

Monday, January 12

 

The plan is to be at Elm Creek every afternoon this week except Friday. 

Bring classic equipment and dress warmly, protect any exposed skin.

 

The first half of the conference Pursuit race will be held this Thursday at Elm Creek, beginning with boys at 3:30. 

It will be a classic race against Osseo and Park Center and will be followed next week by the skate pursuit.

 

Pasta party at Wesslings

7744 Merrimac Lane North, Maple Grove

6pm - Wednesday, January 14

SR.--bread

JR.--Dessert

SOPH.--Drinks

Jr. HIGH--Salad

 

Recent results:

 NWSC JV Skate   Giant's Ridge Invitational

 

A huge thanks to everyone who sent food to Mesabi this weekend as well as those who have provided wonderful meet treats at the home races...or are brave enough to host pasta parties for 50 hungry kids!

________________________________________________

Pasta Party at Morgans

Friday, January 9 at 5pm

5370 Union Terrace Lane, Plymouth

 

Seniors- Salads

Juniors- Bread

Sophomores - Dessert

Junior High - Drinks

 

**The bus for Mesabi/Giants' Ridge leaves at 5am on Saturday morning from the stadium.

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You have questions, we have answers

Monday, January 5

 

ALL skiers are racing tomorrow but only the JV skiers' times will be in the results.

 

Getting to the meet

 MGSH: Skiers find own transportation.  Please drive carefully.

MGJH:  Bus will pick up at 2:30; please bring a note from a parent to be excused at 2:15, this will give you time to change into your race suit and get your equipment together before the bus comes.

OJH:  Bus will pick up at 2:45; bring note for 2:30.

 

__________________________________

Ready to Race

Friday, January 2

 

JV Skate Race at Elm Creek, Tuesday January 6

This will be a 5k skate race on the Valley-Thicket-Northern Lights trails.

Boys race at 3:30; Girls race at 4:00.

Skiers going to the Giants Ridge Invitational (see below) will race but will not be included in the team scoring.

 

Giant's Ridge (Mesabi) Invitational, Saturday January 10.

Boys:  Varsity Freestyle -  Jackels, Mann, Wessling.  Varsity Classic - Gibson, Meyer, Neumann.

JV Freestyle - Hickey, Morgan.  JV Classic - LaBerge, Spillers.

Girls:  Varsity Freestyle - Anderson, Carstensen, Sanborn.  Varsity Classic - Aarons, Pankow, Waananen.

JV Freestyle - Brink, Gibson.  JV Classic - Burkholder, Michael. 

Meet information.

 

Check back Monday for transportation information.

 

___________________________________________

Laundry Day

Wednesday, December 31

 

Winter trip wrap-up:  If you are missing anything or have things that don't belong to you, please let us know and we will try get it all sorted out.   

Missing:  New team sweatshirt with Spaude on the back, in plastic bag...does anyone remember seeing this on the morning we left on the trip?

Mixed up:  Garbage bag with sleeping bag and pillow...check to see if you have your own stuff.

Found: A black top with pink trim, a glove, a mitten...

 

***

Annual Alumni New Year's Ski tomorrow!

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Thursday, January 1 at 1 pm, meet by the chalet fireplace

All MGNT skiers, past and present, are invited to come and ski together for fun and/or racing.

***

________________________________________

Dispatch from the North

Monday, December 29

 

Coach Susan called today with these updates from the winter trip:

The places they're traveling don't have cell service, so don't be surprised if your skier isn't calling home. The trip home is still on track for arrival tomorrow evening, and skiers will call with more specific time estimates once they get their phone service back.

 

On the way up north they stopped to eat at Sven & Ole's Pizza in Grand Marais, and yesterday they went to Lappe for a long day of skiing and Finnish pancakes. They already finished time trials this morning at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Time not spent on the trails has been filled with rousing games of Apples to Apples. The accommodations are good, and no one has been seriously sick or permanently injured.

(Posted by Lisa Waananen)

___________________________

 

Pack your Bags

Friday, December 26

 

A note about the winter trip packing:

*Be sure you either wear or keep ski clothes handy for the trip up tomorrow; we'll be stopping to ski on our way to Canada.

Your choice of skate or classic...have the right boots on the bus.

*You will need either a sleeping bag or a blanket/sheet combo to put on your bunk bed...and a pillow!

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Happy Winter Solstice

Sunday, December 21

 

Be ready to classic at practice Monday and Tuesday...you'll get great kick!

Bring wax (green if you have it or blue) and a cork.  Meet at the chalet at 9am on Monday.

 

Be ready to keep moving...wear your best Minnesota winter gear!

Bring hat, facemask, really good gloves, wool socks, Dermatone, etc.

 

****

Sunday JOQ results here.

Saturday JOQ results here.  Congratulations Hannah!

___________________________________________________

Practice Update for Thursday, December 18:

 

Senior High:  Meet at the beach at 2:30, skate equipment.

Junior High:  Take the shuttle to the Elm Creek chalet where you will meet Coach Anne and Coach Kay...then ski down to the beach, skate equipment.  Parents will pick up at the chalet after practice.

 

************************

Wednesday not Thursday

Tuesday, December 16

 

This week's race was moved from Thursday to Wednesday to accomodate all the teams who want to ski /race at Elm Creek.

The top 48 finishers in the conference from last week's races will compete in the 1k Sprints Championship; JV and junior high skiers will compete in a skate race...both at Elm Creek beginning at 3:30.

Juniors and Seniors who drive to school can drive by themselves to the meet.  All other high school skiers should catch the bus at the cafeteria door at 2:20.  Junior high skiers take the regular shuttle all the way to Elm Creek and get ready to ski as quickly as possible.

Results from NWSC race.

 

Parent permission form for the winter trip will be coming home today or can be downloaded below.  You may turn it in this week. Or bring it the day of the winter trip...along with your passport or official (not a copy!) birth certificate.  If you have a driver's license or permit, please bring that as well...coaches will keep all ID and documents for the duration of the trip to eliminate possible misplacement or loss.  You must have proper documentation before you can get on the bus!!

Parent permission form. 

 

****

Skiing Advisory

Sunday, December 14

 

The practice schedule for this week is posted and there is good news:  We are scheduled for practice at Elm Creek after school on Monday!  The bad news is that the wind chill will approach -20 degrees.  So if you are healthy, come on out and ski, just be sure that exposed skin is kept to a minimum and use Dermatone to protect it.  AND of course, several layers on your body including a wicking layer underneath and a wind-resistant one on top with something warm in-between, good gloves, socks and a hat...if you have a mask, use it.  Bring your skate equipment.

 

The race on Wednesday will be two formats: 

The Sprints Championship (skate) for the returning skiers and a skate race for first years.

 

More good news:  No 5 am practices this week...:)

 

________________________________

Race Wrap-up

Friday, December 12

 

Great job to everyone who raced yesterday...Hannah won the girls' race, eight skiers lettered by time, and lots of first-time skiers just got out there and finished...you are all awesome!

 

Here are our team results for now, when we get the full meet results, they will be posted under the RACES link on the left hand side of this page...click on Results and 2008-2009.  

Boys  Girls 

 

Results from Monday's skiathlon at Trollhollow.

 

___________________________

It'll be a Classic

Wednesday, December 10

 

We are officially one month into practice and it's time to try out the race suits!

Tomorrow's NWSC meet:

  We know it is at Elm, it is classic and we know the boys will go first. There is some question about how the skiers will be divided up. Whether it is a Varsity/JV meet or an Age-Level race will be determined tomorrow. 

Either way, if you are a Senior boy, you will go out at 3:30 and if you are a 7th grade girl, you will race closer to 5:30.

EVERYone is encouraged to race; there will be lots of first time skiers from the other schools too.

 

Senior high: The bus to the park will leave at 2:20 from the cafeteria door; if possible, change into your ski clothes at school.

 

MGJH skiers: You will take the shuttle all the way to Elm, do not get off at the high school.

OJH skiers:  You will take the shuttle to the senior high where you will get off and transfer to the MGJH bus.

Bring your equipment with you; you can change clothes at the chalet at Elm.

You can then ski down to the start/lesson area and find a coach for further instructions.

 

After the meet is over, you will need to be picked up from the park; the buses are not staying.

 

Please remember to bring your winter trip balance, checks made out to MGNT.

 

____________________________________________________________

Hoigaards results and photos.  Congratulations to all participants!

 

Monday, Monday

 

Senior high goes to Trollhaugen...Junior high practice at MGSH.

 

The bus to Trollhaugen will depart MGSH at 1:45pm.  Please bring a note to  be excused at 1:20.  You will need to change into your race suit and have your skis ready to go from the cafeteria door.  The meet is a continuous pursuit, a mass start with the classic portion followed immediately by the skate portion.  There will be a transition area to switch from your classic equipment to skate equipment. 

The first race begins at 4 pm: 

 5k/5k Varsity boys (Wessling, Jackels, Gibson, Neumann, Meyer, Mann, Hickey)

5k/5k Varsity girls (Sanborn, CAnderson, Carstensen, Pankow, Aarons, Waananen, Michaels)

2.5k/2.5k JV boys

2.5k/2.5k JV girls

 

The wax room will be open on Sunday from 1-5pm, followed by the....

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

**Pasta Party**

WHEN:  Sunday Dec. 7th at 5:00pm

HOSTS:  Tommy and Libby Gibson

WHERE:  17562 78th Place N.    Maple Grove   763-494-0887

 

Pasta and main dishes are provided, so bring something to share.

 

Seniors – salad

Juniors – bread

Sophomores – dessert

Jr. High – beverages (juices, chocolate milk or Gatorade type drinks – no pop)

 

 

_____________________________

It's So Dark!

Wednesday, December 3

 

Great job to all the skiers (and parents!) who got it up early this morning for practice...what an awesome turnout!  Hopefully you can catch a nap after school and not during 6th hour.

 

*For classic technique, every skier should have their own can of Blue Extra hard wax and a cork!!*

You can buy it at Pioneer Midwest, or any ski store.

 

The meet on Thursday has been cancelled so meet at the high school on Thursday for further practice instructions.

 

Thinking about trying the Hoigaard Relays at Hyland on Saturday morning?  It'll be fun!  A 4x3K skate relay with 2, 3, or 4 skiers per team (each leg is 2 laps).  $10 per skier.  We will try to work out carpools for everyone who wants to go.

 

__________________________

The White Stuff

Monday, November 24

 

Elm Creek Update:  1.5K of the Valley Trail is open.  It is packed/tracked and in good condition.  Currently it is open for limited use and is not open for practices. 

 

 We will be handing out trail passes at the beginning of practice tomorrow and then skiers have the option of

1.) going to the wax room for a waxing clinic and getting skis ready to go  OR 2.) practicing on your own.

 

Wednesday thru Friday practices this week will be early morning:

Wednesday: 5am   *    Thursday: 6am    *   Friday:  6am

Lots of coaching instruction will be available on Wednesday...Thursday will be a 3k Thanksgiving Time Trial...

Friday will be long and easy.

 

Please be flexible with the schedule this time of the year...the transition from dry-land to on-snow training can mean last minute changes in the practice plan.  Thanks for your patience, feel free to ask any questions about how everything works.

 

_______________________________

Let's Get Ready to Ride 'n Tie

Saturday, November 22

 

Who: Everyone! If you don't have a partner, we'll find you one!

What: The annual bike/run relay to Bass Lake Road and back

When: Today! at 10:00 am

Where: Meet at the wax room behind the high school stadium

Why: Because it's a fun way to spend Saturday morning!

Remember to bring a bike, helmet, running shoes, a warm jacket, and good gloves.  Treats to share are always welcome.

See you there!

___________________

A reminder that the soup orders will be ready for pick up on Thursday afternoon after practice. 

We need a couple of volunteers...If you would be able to help with the distribution, please call Karnie Wessling at 420-1394.

***

Sweatshirts...Get your Sweatshirts
November 17

No problem if you don't have a sweatshirt order form...Just write down the size, color (white or ash gray), and name you would like on the back, turn it in and bring your $40 (checks to MGNT) by Friday.

It's time to have your poles, ski boots and a helmet at school so we can go on pole hikes and give the roller skis a workout.  Your name should be on EVERYthing.

__________________________________________________________

Under way
November 12

Sweatshirt order forms are due on Monday, November 17...all payment due on Friday, November 21.  Cost is $40 to MGNT Boosters.

Please remember to bring clothing appropriate for being outdoors.  In order to get the most out of our workouts, it is important for each athlete to be prepared for cold weather. Dress in layers; look for poly blends that will trap heat and wick away moisture, like UnderArmour.  Hat and gloves are required!!

___________________________________________________________

On your mark, get set...
November 9

Practice starts tomorrow! Please make sure you are registered at the office; bring your workout clothes and a lock. 

Booster fee  and trail pass fee are due; check(s) to MGNT Boosters.

**Soup orders are due by Tuesday.  No orders can be accepted after that.  Thanks!** 

_____________________________

Crossing the Border
November 6

If you are planning on going on the winter trip, please consider applying for a passport. As of today, passport applications are being processed and delivered in three weeks.  It would make crossing into Canada much simpler and means the embossed birth certificate could be left at home.  Link to Passport info.

___________________________________________________

Equipment Questions
November 5

Information on Equipment here...and local Ski Swaps too.

__________________

Soup's on
November 4

Forms for the fundraiser are available under Quick Links. 

Check it out

Please remember to turn in your registration materials to the office before practice begins next Monday.

The trail pass ($25/skier) and the booster fee check ($50/family) should be written to MGNT Boosters.  One check is fine. Thanks!

____________________________________

Fresh Start

Here are the forms and information from the parent/skier meeting:

2008-09 Season Schedule

General Info handout

Winter trip

The updated pasta party and meet treat sign up sheet are posted in the Quicklinks box to the right and in the FanClub link on the left.  Please consider hosting a pasta party or bringing treats for one of the meets...the skiers really appreciate it and it is a great way to get to know the team.

Soup Fundraiser orders are due November 11 for delivery on November 20.  The soup costs $20/bag, please collect the money when the order is placed.

___________________________________________

Season Opener

Parent/skier meeting on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30pm in the Forum room at MGSH.

**Come meet the new coaches**

We will discuss practice and meet schedules, equipment, transportation, clothing, fundraising, lettering standards and the Winter Trip.

Three Rivers Park pass:  $25             Booster fee: $50 per family.

______________________________________________

***

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY

We will be collecting old cell phones again this year, as well as any of the following items: ink jet printer cartridges, dvd movies and videogames, portable dvd players, laptop computers, mp3 players, X-boxes, Sony playstations, Wii, digital cameras and digital video cameras, digital picture frames, portable navigation and gps devices.You can bring these items to the first meeting or any practice.Thanks for your help!

_________________________________________________________

 

Season Finale

MVP:  John Wessling, Hannah Sanborn

Most Improved: John Wessling, Laura Backer

Most Spirited: Dan Broman, Mary Wold

Most Dedicated: John Wessling, Laura Backer

Rookie of the Year: Andy Knapp, Annie Michael