Keeping the students in their classes fit is the goal of every Huntington School District physical education teacher. A large group of youngsters and the faculty members who have been guiding them recently took their commitments to a new level.
A delegation of three teachers led a contingent of 50 to the Suffolk Fit Club competition at Lincoln Elementary School in Sayville. The initiative was by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Teams from Southdown Primary School, Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull Intermediate School were among a two dozen Suffolk schools participating in this year’s contest.
The recent competition highlighted each of the components of health related fitness. A trio of Huntington physical educations prepped the school’s teams for the big day. Carrie Postel coached the Woodhull team while John Walsh led the STEM squad. Adam Sherrard coached the Southdown team.
Six boys and six girls from each building on the fourth and fifth grade levels competed. Participants were required to complete 40 sit ups, 30 planks to push-ups 20 agility jumps over a 12 inch hurdle and a 250 foot long agility run as quickly as possible.
Teams also took turns doing 15 box jumps followed by a tire flip, 30 jump ropes and a crab walk as many times as possible in 15 minutes. Awards were given to the top team and the top athlete in each individual event.
“The mission of the Suffolk Zone’s Fit Club is to empower our students with the skills, tools, training and confidence to live a healthier lifestyle while challenging them through difficult physical challenges,” according to the group’s website. “Our goal is for the students to learn something about themselves and feel invigorated as well as seeing how much they can truly accomplish when driven. We will develop the students’ strength both physically and mentally and help them to reach their fullest potential. They will feel part of a team by offering support, encouragement and inspiration to their teammates while helping them achieve their highest level of fitness.”
The Southdown fourth graders and the Woodhull fifth graders joined forces to finish 12th in a field of 24. The STEM students placed 16th in the competition.
“The students from all three schools were proud of their accomplishments at the Fit Kids club competition as they cheered and motivated each other to perform at their physical best,” Mr. Sherrard said.
