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Joyce kaiser's avatar

Another accomplishment at the University of Okoboji is when the Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, and then the Tri-athelete Race- swim, bike, and run has been hosted. I began jogging on the lake roads, and made a commitment to myself to train, and prepare for the Half-Marathon. One can go at their own speed-- it was much, much better to FINNISH than be a 'speedster'. The most miles I had ever jogged was 9 and a Half Marathon is 13.5 miles. The day of the race- I felt ready to "do this!" I kept at my own pace and did not try to "keep up with anyone else." I remember the ending of the race the MOST-- as I rounded the hill by the Emporium and then heading down-- there were folks cheering, and clapping. Colorful flags showing the finish-- and the best part--was when the announcer got my number on my shirt- He announced, "And here comes runner Joyce Kaiser into our finish of the Half-Marathon,. lets give her a wild, loud Iowa Cheer.

WOW...my Mom was there, 4 cousins, one other Aunt--and many friends. What a GLORIOUS DAY

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Joyce kaiser's avatar

EXCITING: for one and all--- University Of Okoboji also hosts a neat Bike Ride around the Okoboji lakes. It usually begins at the park areas in Milford. You can "speed or crawl" whatever your fancy is. I had a very good friend Georgia Sheely is a sister for Herman and family- My friend has passed--she was a fabulous support for the U of O and played on the slow-pitch team. She was a definite "spunky spirit" yes, I do know Okoboji well and the University. Great times to remember.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

L9ve it

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Joyce kaiser's avatar

"Oh Okoboji, Do we really HONOR thee.".........I played on the U of Okoboji Women's Slow Pitch Softball team. It was terrific fun, and We were GOOOOD. Our arch rival was the Berkley Team from Spirit lake---grrrrr. We beat'em though- eventful, fascinating game to behold. " Oh Okoboji, How we love thy name, Oh Okoboji" I am Alumni, and a humble student of the school of GREAT KNOWLEDGE........I know that Campus well.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Yay!

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Jill D Brosnahan's avatar

Okoboji. My summer home since 1993. I discovered The Three Sons on a visit with friends to the area in 1972, and The Three Sons remains to this day, a beloved and nostalgic stop for all of my family and friends who visit the lakes each summer! This family, the Richters, continue to make Okoboji better. Their philanthropy is unmatched. Thank you for shining a big spotlight on them!

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Jill, email me? juliegammack@mac.com

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Ken Hedler's avatar

Julie, why didn't you write "Customers bought them like a hungry hawkeye" instead of walleye? I created the fictional university of "Banning Subsurface State University," or BSSU, after working for a trade publishing company featuring articles laden with jargon. An editor lived in Banning, Calif.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Ha! I was wondering where you were. Well, Okoboji is known for Walleye. It's also known for the very partisan split between ISU and UofI (Hawekeyes). But the real reason is I wanted to tie in hook-line-sinker

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Mike Pitchford's avatar

Well Julie, at least you are not on Double Secret Probation courtesy of Dean Wormer

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Not yet, anyway

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Julie Gammack's avatar

As I read this column online I realized I made a huge omission by not including the female Richter partners, who presumably run the place. My heartfelt apologies and I think there should be a future column strictly about them.

We need to work on women’s studies at the U of O, eh?

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Rick Martin's avatar

And who better to be the new Dean?

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Katy Gammack's avatar

Sigh. Our Dad, not particularly known for his dashing clothing ensembles, would proudly show off his latest finds from My Three Sons.....when he wasn't insisting on showing you how to hand trousers on a hanger so they wouldn't ever fall off......

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Jim Sayers's avatar

"May we never graduate." Wait, what about advanced degrees?

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Julie Gammack's avatar

GOOD POINT!

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