By Chris Engesser
It was a dark and stormy week in Topeka. Well, not really, but it was an exciting time. The Royals were cruising to a World Series victory, Halloween festivities were heating up, and the RoadRunners were everywhere. They visited Downtown, two schools, one lake and a zoo to help bring a little Halloween cheer to Runner Nation.
The week kicked off last Monday at Wanamaker Elementary and the Runners Get Fit Program sponsored by Great Life, The Spectacle, and Subway. Ryan O’Connor and Seth Kamrass were on hand to teach the group of over 30 students the importance of exercise and nutrition. After everyone shared their favorite work out and healthy meal, it was time to play some floor hockey. Both teams played hard but, in the end, Seth Kamrass’ group came out on top. Each student received a gift bag from The Spectacle and a Subway gift card.
On Tuesday night, the Runners had their first Coach’s Show of the season at Dickie’s BBQ. Coach Langer and Arch Ecker discussed the season so far and looked ahead to the road swing to Springfield. Arch then welcomed Player of the Month Tyler Hayes to the mic. The fans got some insight into the 2015-2016 Runners while enjoying the best BBQ in Topeka.
On Friday night, Reggie the RoadRunner crashed the party at Lake Shawnee’s Trunk or Treat. The weather didn’t cooperate but no amount of rain could stop the kids from taking pictures with Reggie and getting their fill of candy. The Runners also helped auction off some game tickets, youth jerseys, and pucks before the downpour ended the night.
On Saturday, Reggie was at it again, this time at the Topeka Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Together with Subway, and SubMan, Reggie was all over the place. Posing for pictures with ghoulish fans and handing out candy. The Runners gave out dozens of tickets to lucky fans and helped Subway make it a Halloween to remember.
Finally, on Monday, the Runners visited Heritage Christian School to help promote Heritage Christian Night with the Runners this Saturday. John O’Connor and Shawn Brennan read to kindergarten and second graders while Jack DeMatteo and Dom Lutz played broomball with the middle and high school kids. Everyone had a great time and will be looking forward to coming out to see the Runners battle the Junior Blues at Landon Arena this weekend.
For more information on how your school or group can hang out with the Runners, call 785-286-7825.