Campus Connection

5K run, family outing supports youth scholarship in memory of UWL alum

The Onalaska Parks and Recreation Department will host the annual “Fleis Nighttfall Frolic” Friday, April 20, at Rowe Park, 710 Hilltopper Place, Onalaska. The event supports a scholarship fund in memory of a UW-La Crosse alumnus. The event includes a 5K run/walk, a youth race and family activities. Food will also be available. Registration and activities begin at 5:30 p.m. The 1K youth race starts at 6:30 p.m. and the 5K run/walk starts at 7 p.m. Participants can also register early online at the City of Onalaska website or www.active.com. In addition to a run/walk, family activities will include yard games, face painting, a water balloon toss, obstacle course, crafts and more. Early 5K registration is $10 and youth 1K registration is $5 through April 2. The cost increases for those who register later. The Fleis Nighttfall Frolic aims to spread health awareness about the importance of exercise for a healthier lifestyle. Proceeds support the John Fleis Youth Scholarship fund. The fund financially assists families in the Onalaska area so they can participate in Parks and Recreation programs. The scholarship is in memory of John Fleis, a 1945 graduate, whose passion and love for coaching and sports led him to start the Onalaska Parks and Recreation Program in the early 1960s. The first programs offered included baseball, tennis, basketball and golf. After Fleis ran programs for several years, the city of Onalaska took over the program and expanded its reach. Fleis died in 2009 and his family established the Youth Scholarship fund. A group of four UWL students in Recreation 301: Leadership and Programming is helping to plan and execute this community recreation event as part of a class project. “My group members and I chose to do this project because all of us had a passion for exercise and helping others,” says student Kevin Houcque. Other group members include: Anthony Torres, Jared Kronback and Thomas Losch.

If you go:

What: Annual Fleis Nighttfall Frolic When: Friday, April 20 — 5:30 p.m. registration and activities, 6:30 p.m. youth race, 7 p.m. 5K Where: Rowe Park, 710 Hilltopper Place, Onalaska Cost: Early 5K registration is $10 and youth 1K registration is $5 through April 2. The cost increases for those who register later. Register and learn more.