Students plan annual run to promote clothing donations

Last year, 9,000 pieces of clothing were donated to the Catholic Ladies Rummage organization in Chadron as a result of the event.

Sean Munger of Imperial, Neb., a returning member of the four-person committee organizing the May 1 event, said, “This is a chance for us to show our appreciation to the Chadron area. It’s a good tradition and the last major event of the school year. We hope those who ran last year are talking others into running this year.”

Other members of the Nearly Naked Mile committee include Jennie Robbins of Mitchell, Neb., Dani Buckley of Palmer, Alaska, and Lane Swedberg of North Platte, Neb.

Lynn Mathis, a volunteer with the Catholic Ladies Rummage, said, “We look forward to the donated clothes from the race every year. It is a way for the students to give back to this community and to other communities too. It’s a great program.”

The Catholic organization gives excess donations to an established site on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Dr. Randy Rhine, president of CSC, will fire the starter’s pistol at the Lindeken Clock Tower to start the race as he did last year.

Each student who runs is expected to donate at least one clothing item for admission to the race and each student who donates five items or more will receive a NNM T-shirt.

Prizes including a MacBook Air, Xbox One, iPad mini, TV and bike will be awarded to those who donate the most clothing. The men's and women's winners of the timed race will each receive an iPad nano and a NNM backpack. Other prizes will be awarded for the best men's, women's and group costumes.

The event will begin with a meal in the Student Center at 4:30 p.m. followed by Ryan Clauson performing from 6-8 p.m.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to donate clothing from 8-10 p.m. with the race beginning at 10 p.m. Following the conclusion of the race, a dance for students will take place until 1 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

Clauson, also known as "Mr. Attraction," is a popular college campus speaker who shares social skills and dating advice. Clauson, a former professional hockey player and current marathon runner, is also a health and fitness advocate. His presentation about the nine rules of attraction is co-sponsored by CSC Student Senate and the Campus Activities Board.

Student Senate officers became aware of Clauson during their attendance at a leadership conference in New Orleans and subsequently made contact with his booking agent. Testimonials and information about Clauson can be seen at www.mrattraction.com.

The route of the race will stretch from the clock tower north to Tenth Street, west to Memorial Hall, south to the Nelson Physical Activity Center, east to the Math and Science building, north to the main campus sidewalk and west completing the loop back to the clock tower.

The NNM committee has made arrangements with CSC rodeo coach Dustin Luper so that members of the CSC rodeo team will be allowed to ride their horses on the route after the runners. Cruisers driven by officers from the Chadron Police Department will lead and follow the race competitors as an added safety precaution.

Members of the community who would like to donate clothing, may drop the items off at the CSC Student Center April 30 from 7-8 p.m.