PHOTOS by Mark Andreasen / CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace / VIDEO on page 2

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Not everyone is ready, willing and able to handle an auditorium full of excited 4th-8th graders. Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel was not only ready, when he appeared at the Ada Schools on Thursday, November 13 to promote the Governor's Healthy Ohio Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, he was determined to turn up the volume.

To begin, Tressel explained that being in Ada is a homecoming for him. His grandparents had a farm here and both of his parents graduated from Ada Schools. His aunt edited the Ada Herald. So while Tressel is visiting schools across the state to talk about the Fitness Challenge, he has a special connection with this community.

The Ada students are part of a Fall 2025 Challenge focused on fitness, healthy eating and good sleep habits. Tressel brought student volunteers on stage to demonstrate exercises such as push-ups and jumping jacks. He had the audience count repetitions in unison and follow his cues very carefully. On their first medium-loud try, he gave them... a C-. They were going to get it right, he said, even if they'd be there all day.

Tressel turned on his coaching skills, honed at the helm of the OSU football team, for both students and teachers. When teachers, Superintendent Julie Simmons and the Ada Bulldog mascot were brought on stage, Tressel put them through their paces. Could they clap in unison? Could they put up their hands in unison? Could they pay attention and notice which of these cues they were supposed to follow?

Students receive Fitness Challenge workbooks that help them set goals and progress through bronze, silver and gold levels, with activities being done before, during and after school.

The Ada Schools signed up for round one of the program. A second round will begin on February 2, with sign-up open until November 28, 2025.