Huntington Impressive at Suffolk Fit Club Contest in Sayville

Talented teams of fourth and fifth graders from Woodhull Intermediate School and Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School vied in this year’s Suffolk Fit Club. Several dozen districts sent 34 teams in all to the competition.

Led by veteran Woodhull physical education teacher Carrie Postel and Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School PE teacher Elizabeth Andersen, the Huntington contingents engaged in battle at Lincoln Elementary School in Sayville. The initiative was organized by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The Huntington physical education teachers selected their top students to represent their respective school in the highly regarded contest.

“The Fit Club event is something we look forward to every year,” Mrs. Postel said. “It is always such a well-run event, and the students truly enjoy participating. They work incredibly hard to earn the opportunity to be there, which makes the experience even more meaningful for them. The events, ‘Ninja Speed’ and ‘Overcoming Obstacles,’ include challenging exercises that truly push the kids to their limits while encouraging perseverance, confidence, and teamwork. I am so proud to represent Woodhull Intermediate School at this event each year alongside 34 participating teams.”

Woodhull’s fourth grade Fit Club team consisted of Mia Buttafuoco, Colin Engle, Hendrix Evans, Colton Gainey, Nikola Gaitan, Madison Genao, Olivia Kocis, Jacob Lopez Benitez, Val Migliore, Cosette Rodgers, Lian Soto Ramirez, Genevieve Sperzel, Lola Sterling and Evan Ziman. The fifth grade squad featured Valentina Evans, Steven Graber, Stanley Guevara, Sailor Helm, Ashton Kalmar, Stella Kekatos, Emma Kuhn, Caleb Marin Maldonado, Christopher Meyers, Heidi Schmid, Anya Sether-Canle, Billy Sheridan, Levi Vasquez Zavala and Dylan Yanes Molina.

The Jack Abrams School fourth grade team features Emy Gaitan Guevara, Faiz Baig, Mila Bogovic, Grace McManus, Nicholas Pagan, Mary Marsala, Zoe Oliver, Arcangel Castro Torrez, De'Sean Robinson, Annie La Mendola, Wesley O'Dwyer, Matthew Ackerly, Ella LaBanca and Andrew Romano. The fifth grade team consists of Annabelle Buchner, Madison Seron, Timothy Evernham, Garret Colin, Tobias Gress, Carley Oliva, Hudson Spitaleri, Elijah Ellis, Lily Bodnar, Malia Castaldo, Keira Mackey, Vladimir Nelson, Gia Le Roux, Megan Erardy, Griffin Selkirk and Lydia Lim.

“Today was a perfect day for fun and fitness,” Mrs. Andersen said. “The kids have been training so hard for this competition over the past few months and their hard work truly showed on the course. You could see on their faces how much they wanted it and how determined they were to give their very best effort for their team.”

Participants were required to complete a variety of strength, flexibility, speed, agility, coordination and conditioning exercises and physical fitness related tests,

“One of our returning fifth graders, Griffin Selkirk, explained after the competition that he was very tired but had so much fun.” Mrs. Andersen said. “He competed last year and wanted to return because he loves sports and fitness. Another returning fifth grader, Madison Seron, described the day as amazing. Lydia Lim, also a returning fifth grade competitor, called it a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience.’ Returning fifth grader Vladimir Nelson shared that ‘when it’s your last time competing, you’re extra motivated to never give up.’”

“We evaluated every fourth and fifth grader in the school and selected seven girls and seven boys from each grade level to compete,” Mrs. Andersen said. “As their teacher and coach, it’s incredibly rewarding to step outside the gymnasium and watch these students’ shine.”

In the past, both Huntington UFSD teams have placed among the best in the county. In 2026, Woodhull finished fourth in a field of 34 with Jack Abrams School holding its own in the standings.

“It’s such a wonderful tradition for these kids,” Mrs. Andersen said. “No matter the outcome, the entire experience is such a positive one. School spirit and great sportsmanship make the day even more special. We’re so proud of our athletes today!”

“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.”