020526...R TRESSEL FITNESS 1...Champion...02-05-26...Champion Central Elementary School 3rd graders Paisley Smith, 8, left, Amelia Davies, 8, center, and Skylar Keith, 8, shout out with Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel during the kick off to the second round of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge Wednesday morning at the school...by R. Michael Semple

CHAMPION — Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel visited Champion Central Elementary School on Thursday morning, kicking off Round Two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. Tressel said that 1,356 schools and 391,000 students in the state are participating in the voluntary program for grades 4-8.

Tressel led third- and fourth-grade volunteers in exercises that demonstrated cardio fitness, strength and flexibility, with their classmates cheering them on.

Students will receive workbooks that guide them through a 30-day challenge focused on the five activity groups: cardio, strength, flexibility, nutrition and sleep. They can work through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Levels to become a Healthy Habits Champion.

Tressel began school visits on Monday. So far this week, he has visited schools in Columbus, Xenia, Gallipolis, Toledo, and Champion. Next week, he will visit a school in Canfield and other Ohio schools throughout February.

The morning began with third- and fourth-grade members of the Fitness Club performing synchronized moves with a hula hoop, jump rope, basketball, as well as cartwheels and other dance moves to music. The Fitness Club is under the direction of Champion gym teacher Bryant Wilson.

“You guys are not only taking part in the Fitness Challenge, but you are also taking it to the next level,” Tressel told the students.

Student volunteers then performed activities led by Tressel, such as jumping jacks, running in place, dance moves and push-ups. Tressel discussed the aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

“Without good nutrition and adequate sleep, it is not going to work,” he said.

The former Youngstown State and Ohio State football coach emphasized goals for the students.

“It is not a race and it is not a competition, rather, it is you setting your goals,” Tressel said.

Champion Elementary School Principal Alexandra Nannicola, Champion Local Schools Superintendent John Grabowski, 12 Champion elementary school teachers and Warren Mayor Doug Franklin participated in balance and flexibility activities as a group. While this was taking place, students clapped once or raised a hand while thanking teachers, friends, parents and teachers.

Tressel encouraged students to set healthy goals and to discuss the goals with their parents and siblings as part of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. He also emphasized the importance of quiet time. He explained that all the football players at YSU and OSU found that quiet time helped them clear their minds. They would also write down things for which they were grateful.

Brendon Kilpatrick, an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference player at YSU, who went on to earn a Master’s degree in nursing, spoke to the students about nutrition and rest. He discussed the importance of protein, fruits and vegetables as well as getting 8-10 hours of sleep.

Tressel, also a former YSU president, has been Ohio’s lieutenant governor since Gov. MikeDeWine asked him to accept the appointment in February 2025.

DeWine told Tressel that he has a couple of important goals before he ends his term. One is that every Ohioan is healthy, physically and mentally. The other is that he wants every Ohioan to reach their God-given potential.

“I believe that the healthier a person is, the greater the chance they will have to reach their God-given potential,” Tressel said.