Rafting and running camp draws team together

Each summer, members of the Sisters Outlaws cross-country team venture over the mountains to the headwaters of the McKenzie River for a three-day camp. The region is the perfect location for outstanding running trails as well as midsummer whitewater rafting, which combine to give the team a high-quality training and team-building experience, according to head coach Charlie Kanzig.

A total of 25 members of the team were able to make the trip, comprising about half of the team's size when official practice begins August 22.

"We wish everyone who will be on the team could make the trip, but between work schedules, other camps, and family commitments it's just not possible," said Kanzig. "However, team members who are able to come really carry the torch of our team's culture into the regular season, which benefits everyone."

The McKenzie River Trail begins just above Clear Lake and follows the McKenzie all the way downstream to just beyond Paradise Campground, covering about 26 miles in total. During the course of the camp, many of the team members ran the entire trail.

Typically the team runs in the morning, eats lunch, and then rafts a stretch of the McKenzie, which is running high, fast, and cold this year. Another run precedes dinner, followed by games and fellowship around the campfire.

"It's actually pretty low key in many ways," said Kanzig. "We don't do a lot of instruction, but mostly emphasize building an endurance base and getting to know one another, which is vital to any team."

The rafts are guided by coach Rima Givot and her husband Gabe Chladek, a former owner and operator of Rapid River Rafting Company.

"It is crucial to have knowledgeable, expert guides on the river, so having Rima and Gabe in that role makes the operation as safe as it can be," said Kanzig.

The camp is especially helpful to incoming freshmen, who face so many unknowns going into high school, says Kanzig.

"Every year, the freshmen who do the camp seem to grow and mature before my eyes just during the three days we are together," he said. "Being around juniors and seniors who are modeling confidence, acceptance and teamwork all day long is the best environment in which the younger runners can learn."

Freshmen Tyson Gill said, "I really liked being around the older kids. They are genuinely friendly and they're a lot of fun to be around."

One of the highlights every year on the McKenzie Trail is the plunge into Tamolitch Pool, a stunningly cold and clear turquoise pool between Carmen and Smith reservoirs, where the McKenzie reappears after disappearing underground downstream from Sahalie Falls.

"As coaches, Rima and I work to foster an appreciation for the incredible natural beauty where we live," said Kanzig. "The entire McKenzie River system is wonder after wonder from Clear Lake, to Sahalie, to Tamolitch and on through a diverse forest that includes old-growth fir, majestic cedars, and lush greenery of sword ferns, vine maple, and rhododendron," he said.

The team, a perennial competitor at the district and state level, looks strong again this year, according to Kanzig, but he emphasizes that there is a lot more to the Outlaws program than winning meets.

"Yes, of course we aim to win as a team, but we try to look at the bigger picture of life-long fitness as well," he said. "Some of our runners will be champions in competition, but hopefully all will be developing a lifestyle of health, adventure, and an appreciation of the outdoors."

Kanzig looks forward to the formal start of the season Monday, August 22 and invites any and all interested students to contact him about joining the team by emailing him at

[email protected]

"We had a great camp, and we're anticipating an equally great season," he said.