Several Orono 6th grade girls in Girl Scout Troop 11656 are planning a service project that will earn them their Silver Award, the highest award a Cadette Scout can earn.  They will "adopt" a needy school, perhaps in Central or South America, but possibly within an underserved area of the U.S., and gather supplies and equipment to donate to the school.  They hope to be able to organize a mission in 2011 or 2012 in which they will travel to the school to deliver the supplies they have gathered.  The purpose of the project is to help others less fortunate and to teach these girls, and show the community, that they can effectively help others less fortunate in a significant and meaningful way, and help make the world a better place through their efforts. 

One type of equipment they hope to gather is soccer uniforms and other soccer equipment to outfit at least 2 teams of players.  They are collecting both new and used jerseys, shorts, socks and equipment (balls, shin guards).  Because they want the uniforms to coordinate for a team, so far they have determined to limit their efforts to the Orono community and its uniforms, most of which have remained largely the same for a few years.  They are accepting new and used uniforms of all sizes from both the traveling program and the recreational program.  They will be accepting donations now through the date when they pack up the items to deliver (likely in late 2011 or early 2012).  If you have uniforms or equipment you will not be reusing, or have overstocked items, please consider donating to this effort.  Your donation to the Girl Scouts is tax deductible (but make sure to work with your own tax advisor in documenting and assessing your ability to deduct your donation).

To donate:

The Orono Thunder Soccer club would like to congratulate both the Orono Boys and Girls High School Varsity teams for their fabulous seasons!

The girls team won the 2009 State Championship on 11/5 by beating Blake 5-0. 

Many of the girls and boys played their way through the Orono Thunder soccer program as youth and we could not be more proud to see their hard work and dedication pay off.

Way to go teams!!!!

Congratulations to the boys U12 C2 Team for being awarded with the OATHS award for Summer 2009!

OATHS (Outstanding Ambassadors of Teams Honoring Sportsmanship) is an encouragement education program for traveling Under 9 through Under 19 boys and girls teams that distinguish athletes, coaches and fans for their dedication to good sportsmanship. The goal is to allow the players to enjoy the sporting event as well as the total complement of fans, referees and coaches.

The OATHS Evaluation is included on every Competitive Match Report. All referees are asked to complete the evaluation of each team’s players, coaches and fans. Referees are asked if the players are playing within the rules and spirit of the game. Coaches will be evaluated to make sure all players and officials are treated with respect. And fans are expected to support all players, coaches, and referees in a positive manner.

Responses are tabulated and the data analyzed to determine our OATHS winners. The results of the tabulations are used to evaluate overall sportsmanship throughout the state of Minnesota.

Teams receiving the highest accumulated marks over the course of the season are presented with recognition pins and a certificate of achievement.

What a great way to represent Orono Thunder Soccer!!!!

After finishing their regular season undefeated and being named the West National League Champions, the U11 boys team earned a spot at the State Tournament.  In their first game, they won 7-3 against a strong Dakota Rev team which represents students in the Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan school district.  As the Orono Thunder rolled into the second game of the day against Mankato, they picked up the pace and held strong winning 3-2.  By winning both games on Saturday, they advanced to the State Championship game on Sunday against Valley United which also represents students in the Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan district.  At the end of regulation time, the score was tied 2-2.  After both teams failed to score in overtime, the game ended with a shootout, in which Valley United was declared the winner and Orono claimed the MYSA State Tournament Runner-Up title.

Congratulations Boys and Coaches!

Pictured from left to right - Bottom Row: Nicholas Boardman, Ryan Swanson; Middle Row: Sean Kippels, Drew Eiss, Carver Squiers, Cole Johnson, Spencer Overturf; Top Row: Head Coach Bruce Clarkson, Griffin Joseph, Brandon Hunt, Quinn Courteau, Jack Hendrickson, Robbie Leslie, and Assistant Coach Allen Overturf.  Not pictured: Connor Hasselmann