Storm Troopers: Oak Lawn Runners Go the Distance

The name of the event may change from year to year, but the selfless purpose of ‘Running for a Dream’ will remain the same for the participants of the Cross Countries team.  

Made of members from Oak Lawn Community High School, the Cross Countries team just completed a 166-mile run, from Clinton, Iowa, back to Oak Lawn High School to raise money and awareness for their cause.  Cross Countries runners will be traveling to South America in the summer of 2012 to volunteer at an unfinished hospital in rural Boliva.

Runners from four other area schools contributed to the run: North Central College, Moraine Valley Community College, Argo High School and Revis High School.  

Despite the stormy weather that greeted the team on its arrival back home, morale was high as they crossed the finish line on Oak Lawn’s track. Upon arrival, a ‘Welcome Home’ event embraced the team’s return.  A presentation given by the team served as the focal point of the event, with food and raffles available to all guests.

Get Set, Go

The Cross Countries team got its start from former Oak Lawn student and cross country runner Dan Bice in 2006. Bice approached Oak Lawn’s cross country coach Chris Repa about doing something more substantial than the school offered in terms of service. Repa, who had finished missionary work in Tanzania, Africa, broached the subject of going global. Bice took the idea and ran with it, literally.

Bice recruited members of the school’s track and cross country teams to join his cause. The students raised $46,000 dollars in 15 months running across the state and completing other fundraisers. Cross Countries used the money to travel to Kenya to do volunteer work.

Bolivia and Beyond

Now, five years later, the students of Oak Lawn and members of Cross Countries continue giving back to the world in monumental ways.

“The kids do everything,” Repa said. “They plan all the events, they public speak at places to raise awareness. This is the group's third event they’ve ever planned.  I’m the advisor, but they figure it all out on their own.”

Former Cross Countries member Michael Zero attended the ‘Welcome Home’ gathering to support the cause. Zero traveled on the team’s maiden voyage to Kenya.

“I’m seeing what the group is doing now with Bolivia, and it’s great that they are moving on to bigger and better things,” Zero said. “I’m very happy the goal is moving forward.”

Repa just hopes their work and donations can better the quality of life for the people of rural Bolivia. When ill, many of the people can not afford to travel to the capitol of La Paz for medical care, so the undermanned Bethel hospital, where they will work, is the only one available.

“The hospital has no flooring or electricity. Three people run the entire hospital, one nurse and one doctor. They get funding from religious groups, but the funding is starting to dry up,” Repa said.

This year’s ‘Running for a Dream’ event raised $5,400 dollars for the trip. 
Cross Countries will hold a fall fundraiser called the Candlelight Bowl in November. The event will be at the Oak Lawn Brunzwick Zone.

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