MANSFIELD — The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge is not a race or competition, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said. It is all about encouragement and helping others reach their potential.
Tressel visited Malabar Intermediate School on Wednesday afternoon to encourage students to build healthier habits as part of the statewide Team Tressel Fitness Challenge.
A fitness challenge for all levels of health
At Malabar, Tressel spoke with students, staff and administrators about the importance of cardiovascular activity, strength, flexibility and balance.
Tressel urged Malabar students to share the challenge with others, rather than practice it alone.
“The healthier we can all get, the more we can reach out to our God-given potential,” Tressel said.
He said the program includes everyone, no matter where they are on their fitness journey. The goal, he said, is about making small improvements every day — whether through more activity, cleaner eating or better rest.
“Trying to get better every day at living with healthy habits is what this challenge is really all about,” Tressel said. “It can make you a better friend, a better family member and help you move toward your dreams and goals.”
Students demonstrate fitness alongside Tressel
State Sen. Mark Romanchuk joined Tressel, along with student and faculty volunteers to demonstrate teamwork with the fitness tests.
Tressel had the volunteers demonstrate cardiovascular exerecises, strength, flexibility and balance.
The first volunteer demonstrated five jumping jacks, which Tressel had the school count out as encouragement.
While you can start out with a smaller number like five, Tressel said you can then challenge yourself and move forward each day with a higher number.
“Test yourself and set your goals,” he said. “You keep trying to get better.”
He had two volunteers demonstrate push-ups. One student demonstrated a flat back push-up, while the other volunteer demonstrated an adjusted push-up on her knees.
“If that is one of the strength challenges you choose, get a feel for what you can do and then set that goal.” Tressel said.
He then had all the volunteers demonstrate touching their toes for 10 seconds, which was counted out by students. Along with, standing on one leg for 15 seconds.
Tressel said when he and Mansfield City Schools Supt. Stan Jefferson were on the same staff coaching the Ohio State Buckeyes they used to do a quiet time each day. The main purpose was for them to focus on different things and reflect, he said.
Tressel had students test their focus skills before closing the assembly, asking for them to either give a hand or clap for a specific volunteer.
“We are not going home until we get this right,” he said.
After several attempts, the students were able to get on beat and showcase their new focus skills learned thanks to Tressel.
“We want everyone of you to be safe, healthy and reach your potential, which is unlimited,” he said.
He said he believes this challenge is just one more tool for their success in the future.
Students statewide set goals for healthier living
The 90-day initiative, launched under Governor Mike DeWine’s administration and led by Tressel, invites students in grades 4 through 8 to set personal goals around fitness, sleep and nutrition.
More than 182,000 students across 700 schools in Ohio are participating this fall.
The assembly was one of two school visits for Tressel on Wednesday. Earlier that day, he stopped at Scioto Elementary School in Commercial Point with former NFL star Ted Ginn Jr., captain of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge.
Tressel thanked Malabar’s educators for embracing the challenge.
“One thing I know about Superintendent Jefferson, because we’ve worked together for the last 40 years,” Tressel said, “he cares about every single person in this room.”
The challenge will run throughout the fall semester, with schools tracking progress in fitness, sleep and nutrition.
Students who earn one of the levels will receive a certificate signed by DeWine, Tressel and Ginn Jr.
“We want you to be very proud that you took the challenge and you achieved,” Tressel said. “Because we know that if you do that, you will be one more step closer to your full potential.”
(Photos from the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. Photo credit: Hannah Martin)
