Streaks strive for success

SANDUSKY — Sandusky's Schools is helping to turn Ohio into the "healthiest state in America." And Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel is helping them on their journey. Tressel, who's also the former head football coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is making stops across the state to promote the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. Locally, he recently hosted similar programs at Edison Middle School, Gibsonburg Middle School, Sandusky Central Catholic School and added Sandusky High School to the list with a visit on Tuesday. The challenge was created by government officials, including Tressel, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce director Stephen Dackin. The goal, according to Tressel, is to make Ohio the healthiest state in the country both physically and mentally. "This isn't a competition," Tressel said. "This isn't a race. This is — How can each one of us be at our current level of fitness, get a little bit better, a little bit better, build those healthy habits? "Because we know if we build healthy habits, we will be better students," he added. So far, over 300,000 third- through eighth-grade students from districts across the state have taken on the challenge. Like with the Panthers and Chargers, Tressel called on several Sandusky third- through eighth-grade students to help him demonstrate the challenge during an assembly. Together, the students completed several exercises, such as push-ups, planks and jumping jacks. Tressel also called on district staff to show off their balancing abilities. Nutrition is another factor in the challenge. Tressel encouraged students to involve their families in the challenge not only by asking them to join in on physical activity, but also by looking for healthy options while shopping. The challenge also pushes students to improve their sleep. Tressel said the more work a person puts in during the day, the more rest they need to recharge. Using his former football players as an example, Tressel told students they should participate in what he called quiet time. By clearing their minds and focusing on one thing they were grateful for, his players and the students across the state can improve their mental health. To finish the assembly, Tressel tested the students' focus and listening abilities. He led them in an exercise like "Simon Says," asking them to "clap for Streaky," Sandusky School's mascot, or "hand for friends." They would either clap or raise their hand on command. Sandusky's crowd was one of the largest groups Tressel and his team had visited. He said the students did a great job listening, encouraging and participating, including during the focus activity. Throughout the assembly, Tressel put a strong emphasis on togetherness and supporting others. He said for those struggling to find the motivation to get moving, a good strategy is to turn to a friend. "The best thing you could do is get a buddy to help you and encourage you and work with each other, to encourage one another," Tressel said. "I think anytime you do something with others, you feel a little bit more like 'I better do it because my partner is involved.'" What is the challenge? The challenge began last year, but Feb. 2 kicked off the second round of the challenge. It was updated based on feedback from school participants in the first round. There are three levels to the challenge: bronze, silver and gold. By participating and reaching goals, students earn certificates for their fitness accomplishments. Students use a challenge workbook to track their progress in five focuses: cardio, strength, flexibility, nutrition and sleep. The first round of the challenge was 90 days. With feedback from schools, it is now 30 days and has been revised to be flexible and fit into school schedules. Students can work on the challenge at any point in the day. The challenge has a YouTube channel with over 100 videos and demonstrations, allowing everyone to participate regardless of skill level or ability.