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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
February 2, 2026




*MEDIA CONTACT:
*Nathan Takitch: 614-644-0957
Julia Poling: 614-466-0990






*Team Tressel Fitness Challenge Kicks Off in
Over 1,300 Ohio Schools*

*"Over 390,000 students will take on the challenge"*

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel kicked off round two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge today in 1,376 schools across Ohio, with 390,845 students enrolled in the newest challenge. The challenge will take students 30 days to complete and asks them to set SMART goals in fitness, nutrition, and sleep.

"At the heart of this challenge is a simple idea. When our students build healthy habits, they build confidence, discipline, and belief in themselves," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "When they commit to healthy habits in fitness, nutrition, and sleep, they're not only strengthening their bodies and minds, they're learning lessons that extend far beyond these 30 days and lead into a lifetime of success."

The challenge was created as part of Governor Mike DeWine’s efforts to make Ohioans healthier and help every person live up to their full potential. Round one, which ended in December, saw participation from almost 183,000 students at over 700 schools.

"The excitement we’ve seen for the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge has been extraordinary, and it’s because Ohio students are learning how creating healthy habits can be a lot of fun," said Governor DeWine. "By helping children discover how exercise, good nutrition, and quality sleep help them feel better and more confident, we’re laying the groundwork for a generation of Ohioans who value wellness and carry those habits with them wherever life takes them."

As part of round two, five former collegiate and professional athletes have joined as Challenge Captains, with the goal of providing encouragement and motivation throughout the challenge while acting as role models as students focus on building healthy habits that last a lifetime. Captains will be traveling the state along with Lt. Governor Tressel to visit schools and inspire participating students. Round two captains include:


* Donnie Evege – Former The Ohio State University Defensive Back
* Roy Hall Jr. – Former NFL and The Ohio State University Receiver
* Sam Hubbard – Former NFL and The Ohio State University Defensive End
* Braxton Miller – Former NFL Wide Receiver and The Ohio State University Quarterback
* DeVier Posey – Former NFL and The Ohio State University Receiver
challenge captains posing with jim tressel [ [link removed] ]

Back: Braxton Miller, Sam Hubbard, Roy Hall Jr.. Front: Donnie Evege, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, DeVier Posey

*Challenge Captain Video* [ [link removed] ]


Lt. Governor Tressel announced [ [link removed] ] the 62 Challenge Buddies on Friday who will partner with schools along with the Challenge Captains to provide additional leadership and impact across the state.

Throughout the challenge, students in grades three through eight will set personal goals and spend time reflecting on their progress following each level. The challenge is meant to improve the health and well-being of a student while also teaching other important life skills, including organization, responsibility, and determination. Round two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge includes an updated curriculum [ [link removed] ] that better focuses on personal growth for students and easier implementation for school leaders.

"It’s truly inspiring to see more than 1,300 schools actively encouraging students to develop healthy habits and essential life skills that will benefit them not only in the classroom, but throughout their lives. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of our educators and school leaders in making this possible," said Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

By the end of the challenge, students will have learned how to create a workout and lifestyle routine they can build on throughout life. For more information, visit TeamTressel.Ohio.gov [ [link removed] ].

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Website: TeamTressel.Ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]

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