GALION – Galion Middle School seventh and eighth grade boys had the opportunity to learn about the keys to success from individuals with a strong personal connection to Galion during the annual Champions Day May 16.
The activities, organized by GMS teachers Troy Yunker, John Erlsten and the entire Middle School staff, centered around the things the students can start doing to lay the foundation to become a champion.
Galion alumnus and Ohio Wesleyan University head men’s basketball coach Mike DeWitt served as the keynote speaker for the event. Coach DeWitt has enjoyed great success over his 19-year career at OWU, which includes leading the Battling Bishops to three consecutive North Coast Athletic Conference championships the past three seasons.
“I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to come back to Galion and share whatever lessons I’ve learned with the students,” Coach DeWitt said. “I was blessed to have great teachers and coaches growing up in Galion from elementary school through high school.”
When asked to single out one person who made a significant impact on his life, Coach DeWitt was quick to point to a legendary Galion basketball coach.
“It would be my high school basketball coach Jim Kirk,” Coach DeWitt said. “His ability to teach and coach in a stern, yet respectful way, while positively encouraging me has had a lasting impact on my personal life and coaching career.”
The Galion champions who spent time with students during afternoon breakout sessions included athletes, academic scholars and those who are musically talented. This year’s speakers included Brady Wegesin, Tim Keib, Chad Ruhl, Mark Stepro, Arby Thompson, Colby Bright, Gary Frankhouse, Dustin Fox, Matt Tyrrell, Rich Ulmer, Nathan Cass, Walt Keib, Jim Ruth, Jermaine Burkett, Scott Kinter, Jim Wegesin, Tim Yunker, Ryan Heiber and Mike DeWitt.
“This event isn’t just about sports but about the character, discipline, work ethic and other personality traits that it takes to be a champion in life,” Troy Yunker said. “It was a good lesson on life, and we had a great group of champions from varying professional backgrounds helping to communicate the message!”
New this year was the addition of team building exercises, led by United States Army Staff Sgt. Speck and Sgt. Fisher, who spoke to the students about adversity, work ethic, teamwork and consequences for behavior.
Students engaged in various relay races to help build on the life skills shared by Staff Sgt. Speck and Sgt. Fisher.
“I want to thank Mr. Yunker and the Middle School for taking the initiative to organize Champions Day for our students,” Superintendent Jim Grubbs said. “I know many of these individuals and thank each of them for taking time from their busy lives to be with our students.”
This is the third year of the Champions Day event at Galion Middle School. Nearly 60 Galion alumni and other individuals with ties to the Galion City School District have participated in the event to help Galion students learn invaluable life skills to help them each become a champion in life.
