Lt. Governor Tressel Announces 'Challenge Buddy' Roster for Team Tressel Fitness Challenge

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel announced today the 62 former collegiate and professional athletes who will act as "Challenge Buddies" during round two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. The challenge kicks off for students in grades 3-8 across Ohio on Monday, February 2, 2026.

"Great habits are built the same way great teams are. With commitment, consistency, and encouragement," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "Our Challenge Buddies understand the power of teamwork, motivation, and showing up every day. Their example will help students across Ohio see what's possible when they invest in their health and believe in themselves."

A Challenge Buddy is a positive role model who helps bring the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge to life for Ohio's students. Recruited by Lt. Governor Tressel, Challenge Buddies encourage students to build healthy habits around fitness, nutrition, and sleep. They partner directly with their matched schools to motivate students, share encouragement, and model healthy lifestyles throughout the 30-day challenge.

Round Two Challenge Buddy Roster

Keisha Allen: Bowling Green State University Volleyball
Jason Bond: The Ohio State University Football
Isaac Bullock: Western Michigan University & Professional Basketball
Joe Bradley: The Ohio State University Football
Bryant Browning: The Ohio State University Football Team & NFL Athlete
Drew Basil: The Ohio State University Football Team, NFL & CFL Athlete
Melissa Basil: The Ohio State University Softball
Steve Bellisari: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
JD Bergman: The Ohio State University Wrestling & 2-time US Open Champion
Alex Barrow: The Ohio State University Football
Chimdi Chekwa: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
RJ Coleman: The Ohio State University Football
Josh Copeland: University at Buffalo Football
John Conroy: The Ohio State University Football
Jim Cordle: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Dr. Brett Daly: The Ohio State University Football
Doug Datish: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Mike D’Andrea: The Ohio State University Football
Russell Doup: The Ohio State University Football
Darrell Dowery: Kent State University Football
Tobias Engel: John Carroll University Football & Wrestling
Corey Ernest: West Liberty University Football
Derek Erwin: The Ohio State University Football
Tyler Everett: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Reid Fragel: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Andy Gurd: The Ohio State University Football
Jeff Hartings: Penn State University Football & NFL Athlete
John Hollins: The Ohio State University Football
Tony Jackson: The Ohio State University Football
Branden Joe: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Anna Kirk-Hamilton: The Ohio State University Softball
Mike Kne: The Ohio State University Football
Jesse Kline: The Ohio State University Football
Moe Lee: The Ohio State University Football
Adam Licker: The Ohio State University Football
Jamal Luke: The Ohio State University Football
Curt Lukens: The Ohio State University Football
Kristen McFarland: Florida State University Soccer, Swedish Soccer League
Jack Mewhort: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Lydia Mihalik: University of Findlay Basketball, Director of the Ohio Department of Development
Andrew Moses: The Ohio State University Football
Rory Nicol: The Ohio State University Football
Donnie Nickey: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Nate Oliver: The Ohio State University Football Team
Roshawn Parker Sr.: The Ohio State University Football
David Patterson: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Joel Penton: The Ohio State University Football
Tina Provost: The Ohio State University Varsity Cheerleading
Kate Reymann: The Ohio State University Rowing
Brian Rolle: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Justin Rush: Otterbein University Track
Antonio Smith: The Ohio State University Football & NFL Athlete
Michael Stafford: The Ohio State University Football
Brent Suter: Harvard University Baseball & MLB Athlete
Devon Torrence: The Ohio State University Football & Baseball, Professional Football & Baseball
Jack Tucker II: The Ohio State University Football
Maurice Wells: The Ohio State University Football
Steve Winner: The Ohio State University Football
Jamie Wood: The Ohio State University Football
John Wooldridge: The Ohio State University Football
Chris Wright: University of Dayton Basketball & NBA Athlete
Michael Young: The Ohio State University Football

Round two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge will also feature five new Challenge Captains, providing additional leadership and impact across the state. The new Challenge Captains will be announced Monday at the start of round two.

"We thank these individuals for taking the time to make a difference with the youth of Ohio," Lt. Governor Tressel said.

Former collegiate and professional athletes interested in getting involved in the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge may email [email protected].

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