I know many people will say that, but seriously, I am very lucky. No, I don’t mean casino lucky, even though I have never lost money at black jack. I mean in the people I get to meet and work with on a daily basis. I just spent two days at a seminar in the Twin Cities with two world renowned kettlebell instructors. Ok, yes I get upset when they are called kettleballs, they are kettlebells! But I digress; I watched as one of these instructors, David “The Iron Tamer” Whitley, perform some of his strong man feats. He bent a nail, yes a thick nail not a typical construction nail, and he bent a horse shoe into a heart. I tried to bend the nail myself and could not. Tamer as he is called is just amazingly strong. He also ripped a deck of cards and is known for tearing phone books in half as well. The other gentleman, Grand Master Jon Engum is a flexibility expert as well as both gentlemen are Master RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) instructors. I spent two days learning new kettlebell lifts and increasing my flexibility beyond what even I thought I could do. The cool part is not just the information I learned, it’s the people I got to sweat with. The people I meet, whether they are in martial arts or kettlebells, are just top notch awesome people. To say I love what I do would be an understatement, and I find myself to be lucky and blessed to work with these people on a daily basis. If you ever want to learn about the benefits of kettlebells go to www.dragondoor.com and search for an RKC instructor near you. They will change your life, they changed mine! I move better, I walk stronger, I run better, and I get to lift heavy things over my head. We learned that was the secret to a happy life from Grand Master Engum.
Around Town
Cameron named CFPA National Punter of the Week
Senior Brett Cameron became the third North Dakota football player this season to earn national recognition from College Football Performance Awards after the organization named him its National Punter of the Week on Monday. Cameron averaged 47.4 yards per punt in UND’s 35-13 victory over Sac State on Saturday. He downed three inside the 20-yard line and had two punts of 50-plus yards, including a 59-yarder. The senior boasts one of the top five career punting averages in the UND record books as that figure continues to exceed 40-plus. Senior Mitch Sutton earned honorable mention honors this week at the running back position after he racked up season-highs of 23 carries for 162 yards in the win over the Hornets. He also posted the first three-touchdown game of his career in UND’s Big Sky debut. Cameron joins quarterback Marcus Hendrickson (Perham, Minn.) and wide receiver Greg Hardin (Bellevue, Neb.), who were both named the National Performer of the Week for their respective positions on Sept. 10 after UND defeated Portland State.Story by Ryan Powell, Courtesy of UND Media Relations
Oktoberfest
This Thursday the 27th brings another connect the parks event: Oktoberfest. The Town Square in downtown Grand Forks will be transformed with the spirit of Germany with this awesome event. Come enjoy the spirit of the season at Oktoberfest! Entertainment by the Dakota Dutchmen, there will also be a Beer Garden with FREE beer sampling and Bavarian themed food. Admission is $10, kids receive free admission. This is a family-friendly event. Must be 21 years of age or older for admission into the Beer Garden. FIRST 500 ATTENDEES RECEIVE A FREE PINT GLASS!
UND Football
UND will be taking on conference rival Cal Poly, this Saturday the 29th at the Alerus Center, for its first Big Sky home game. The two teams joined the league this past summer after butting heads in the Great West for the past three seasons. Kickoff is slated for 6:05 PM. Cal Poly comes in to Grand Forks ranked No. 23 and will be a big match up for UND Football. Don’t forget to stop by early for some great tailgating fun in the Alerus parking lot. This game also features family weekend, so bring the whole family out and help us all cheer on UND. For more information go to: www.undsports.com
Wild Hog Grand Forks Half Marathon
This inaugural annual event features great exercise and fun for the whole family. Happenings include a Family Fun Night on Friday, September 28 and a Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K and Family Fun Run on Saturday, September 29. After Saturday’s races, there will also be a big celebration at Wild Hog Grill & Bar featuring live entertainment.
Saturday, September 29th: Race Day – After the race, the fun will continue with food, beverages, and live music to celebrate your accomplishment.
Race Schedule
7:55AM – Wheelchair Half Marathon
8:00AM – 1/2 Marathon
8:15AM – 10K
8:30AM – 5K
Downtown Horns perform at the finish line 9:00AM to 12:00PM. There will be a Kids Zone: Inflatable games, rock climbing wall, and other items from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. Also a Beverage Tent from 11:00AM to 1:00AM, culminating with a performance by ‘Free Beer’ from 8:00PM to 12:00PM. For more information go to: http://gfmarathon.com/event-details/schedule