. . . On – and off – the volleyball court
Mountain Lake Area Wolverine volleyball team members spent yesterday (Tuesday, August 15), digging in on the court during pre-season practice – as well as off the court, just kitty-corner from the gymnasium in which they compete – in support of others.
The team members, led by Head Coach Cheri Hanson and Assistant Coach Crystal Fast, “dug in” to assist Rod and Lynee Hamilton with a major landscaping project. Other great people lending a hand and a shovel were Bob Blom, Glen Miller, Eric-John Niss de Jesus, Eli Karschnik Evan Karschnik, Fletcher Hanson and Lisa Krahn.
Rod Hamilton, a Republican from Mountain Lake, serves District 22B in the Minnesota House of Representatives. In early September 2006, Hamilton, now in his seventh term in the State Legislature, publicly announced that he has multiple sclerosis; something he had kept secret for the 14 years previous. He has managed his workload while battling severe pain, a bout of temporary blindness and exhaustion; the end result of which is that he often has to get around in a wheelchair or scooter.
In response to the outpouring of support on the project, Hamilton, on his Facebook page, shared, “This is why Lynee and I love to call Mountain Lake home.”
First it was Blom, along with Niss de Jesus, the Karschniks – Eli and Evan – that began scooping up and spreading the rocks over the black plastic liner. Then Hanson and Fast and the entire Wolverine volleyball team pitched in (as well as Fletcher Hanson, too).
Hamilton continues, “Lynee and I were overcome with emotion. It’s been a challenging year for the Hamiltons, but God is good and the people of Mountain Lake are beautiful. Thank you everyone!!”
As for Coach Hanson, the pride of her girls’ efforts was evident. “The girls pitched in with shovels and rakes – and those who didn’t have tools dug in with their bare hands; just doing whatever they could to help. It was so beautiful. I was humbled to be a part of something so awesome. These girls are a class act and I am so honored to be a part of something this special. They are truly amazing and it was such a blessing to be able to help out such terrific and deserving people.”
