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Helena Vigilante Runners East Helena Board of Trustees Special Meeting | January 7, 2019

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Club History

Purpose: To promote health, fitness, and community through group training runs, races, and social events in the greater Helena area

-  Tax-exempt non-profit organization incorporated with the State of Montana on January 22, 2009

-  15-member, all-volunteer board of directors governs the organization

-  Successor to Helena Running Club, which began organizing many local premier running events in 1997

-  Club provides a wide variety of training and competitive opportunities that reach more than 1,000 runners each year, ranging in age from 7 to 70

-  Launched youth track & field and cross county program in 2015 (USA Track & Field Member Club)

-  Communities we support: Helena, East Helena, Montana City, Clancy, Boulder, Townsend, Lincoln

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Vigilante Pride - More than 300 current members in the area, including many adults and youth from East Helena - Vigilante name and colors have been associated with the club for nearly 10 years - Area youth provided opportunity to train together and compete collectively in postseason state, regional and national events that prohibit school affiliations (does not interfere with MHSA calendar)

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Youth Development - Purpose: To teach skills and rules related to the sport in a fun and productive environment that builds confidence, mental fortitude, physical strength, friendships, respect and appreciation - Format: Volunteer SafeSport Certified coaches; USA Track & Field Member Club

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Vigilante Cross Country - Program started in the fall of 2015 with 11 girls in the 11-12 age division at Junior Olympic state meet - In 2018, developmental program included more than 60 athletes; boys and girls ages 7-18 - 2018 host of USATF Junior Olympic State Meet in Helena (will host event for foreseeable future)

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Vigilante Track and Field - Program started in the spring of 2016 with 25 athletes ranging in age from 9-14 - In 2018, developmental program included more than 100 athletes; boys and girls ages 7-18 - Athletes have competed in state, regional and national championships since 2016; 4 national titles

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Community Events Volunteering by Club Members

-  Vigilantes regularly volunteer at local high school, college and community events

USATF Montana Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships

-  Serves as qualifier for USATF national championships

-  2019 event on Nov. 9 at Bill Roberts Golf Course

The Augúst – The Second Oldest-Footrace in Montana

-  100% of fees each August distributed to high school cross country teams (CHS, HHS, JCHS, BCHS, and now EHHS, beginning in 2019)

HEAT Meet

-  Free introductory track and field meet for girls and boys ages 9, 10 and 11

-  7th annual HEAT Meet scheduled for spring of 2019

Mount Helena Run

-  Trail run entering its 44th year in September 2019

Helena Sun Run

-  Raises money for solar projects, such as Lewis and Clark Library, Carroll College and local schools (2019)

Speaking of Running

-  Free presentations open to the public (20 and counting)

Tuesday at Noon Workouts and Thursday Trail Runs

-  Regular group training opportunities presented by HVR

-  68 members have logged at least 100 Tuesday workouts

-  Added Thursday Trail Runs in fall of 2018 with plans to expand in 2019

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Equipment and Apparel Substantial Financial Investment in Vigilante Name

-  Pop-up tents

-  Start/finish arch

-  Stadium sign

-  Flag

-  Banner

-  Brochures

-  Racing singlets

-  Long- and short-sleeve shirts

-  Hats, caps and beanies

-  Socks

-  Water bottles

-  Stickers

-  Posters

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Causes for Concern Ø  Same mascot: Causes considerable

confusion for all involved •  Signals a connection between

Vigilante youth track & field and cross country teams and EHHS teams o  Example: Bruin Wrestling Club,

open to all, but affiliated with CHS in name only; hinders wider participation and viewed as CHS feeder club

Ø  Postseason Events: NFHS, MHSA and USATF enforce rules regarding no school affiliation in postseason competition; includes name, colors, etc.

Ø  Harms brand: HVR has established name in the greater Helena area for 10 years

Ø  Diminishes fundraising: Same name creates confusion in the fundraising space for both HVR and EHHS

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