By Bruce Karnick

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As far as fundraising goes, car washes are more about the fun than the raising, but the Raider boys are just fine with that. Spend 15 minutes observing the football players washing cars and you will see why.

“It’s a great team building thing,” said head coach Dana Strain with a huge smile. “The boys use this as a time to have fun with each other while doing something for the community and the community responds. The Hastings community has been absolutely wonderful with their donations today.”

The team was having a good time with each other with the Seniors leading the way showing the younger guys the ropes and why the seniors control the hoses. He who controls the hoses controls who gets wet, right? The guys were laughing, working together and they raised a little money for the team.

“This time gives the younger players a chance to connect with the older players and build that friendship off the field,” added coach Strain. “That can help them build confidence and trust with each other for the on the field activities.”

Strain also liked that it’s a way for the guys to relax around each other before the stress of the season starts. It’s a positive way to start the season for the team. Players worked in shifts from 104 with primarily the skill position players washing and the linemen drying cars. Parent volunteers kept the boys hydrated and took care of the money and other behind the scenes stuff.

One of the concerns that needs to be worked out for next year’s car wash is the location.

“Green Mill has been an amazing sponsor for us since we started the car wash,” explained coach Strain. “With the addition of the apartments across the lot, we may have to move. The lot could be much busier with parked cars for the apartment complex next year. We do not want to move from Green Mill, so we will have to address that next summer once we see how the lot gets used.”

The whole wash and dry process takes up a solid third of the parking lot. Once residents and guests start utilizing the lot, there may not be room for the car wash. That will be addressed next year as needed and The Journal will help communicate any changes. For now, you’ll need to note on your calendar that next year’s wash is the first weekend after the start of practice, usually the middle of August. That date has not been released yet.

John Teigland shows the rest of the guys how to hose down a car and to make sure to get into the wheel wells. Photo by Bruce Karnick

The Raider linemen work together to dry off a customers vehicle in front of the new apartment complex behind the School House Square. Photo by Bruce Karnick

John Bezdicek and Tom Kennedy rinse off the car as the rest of the team helps wash it during the Raiders car wash fundraiser Sunday at Green Mill. Photo by Bruce Karnick