Three St. Charles Second-Graders Going for Record
by Kay Quinn
Three St. Charles second graders are on their way to another remarkable accomplishment. Last year, when they were only in the first grade, they ran 141 miles during recess. This year, they're hoping to hit the 160 mile mark.
"This is a mileage club card and you mark off each lap you run around the cemetery," said Adam Nolle, a second grader at Zion Lutheran.
The lap course is a busy place at Zion Lutheran recess, possibly because a NewsChannel 5 camera was there. But even on a quiet day, seven-year-olds Drew Horton, Adam Nolle and Alex Heinonen can be found making the rounds through the church cemetery. Seven laps on the course equal one mile.
The three call themselves the "Mileage Runner Brothers."
"Every time you finish one card, that's three miles, you get a footie. When you finish five, you get a silver footie. When you finish 10 you get a gold (footie)," said Heinonen.
Back in first grade, it was earning these footies that inspired Drew, Alex and Adam to keep going. By the end of the year, it was still about the footies.
"The goal was to get the glow in the dark footie was the number 15 footie," said Laura Horton, Drew's mother.
But along the way, Adam's father Jeff said the boys also learned about the good feelings that come with accomplishment.
"I think that's a skill they'll be able to carry beyond second grade," said Jeff Nolle, Adam's father.
Drew likes to think their 141 miles also helps bust the stereotype that kids only spend time in front of computer or TV screens.
"I think that we are outside enough and we run enough but I think we get enough exercise all the time," said Drew.
The Mileage Club started at Zion Lutheran in 2003. Eight grader Rebecca Harris holds the all time record of 189 miles in the 2005-2006 school year. But Alex, Adam and Drew think they can match that. The goal: at least 142 miles; maybe 160. What about long term goals?
"I think maybe high school track possibly," said Laura Horton.
"Uh, Olympics, yeah," said Drew.
How about marathons? Who knows?
"God might have any kind of plans for them," said Melinda Steinbacher, the Zion Lutheran P.E. teacher, "but it would be great!"
Drew's mom Laura says her son has earned 13 footies already this year. She's waiting to see if he'll go through at least four pairs of running shoes like he did last year. Principal Marc Debrick said the entire school's been inspired by the good example the boys have.
