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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
February 6, 2026




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






*Tressel Visits Schools to Launch Round Two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge*

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited five schools across Ohio this week to launch round two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. With 390,845 students from 1,376 schools participating statewide, the challenge aims to improve the health and well-being of Ohio’s students by encouraging them to set personal SMART goals in fitness, nutrition, and sleep over a 30-day period.

“Seeing students across Ohio embrace healthy habits is truly inspiring. The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge isn’t just a challenge, it’s a statewide movement that gives students the tools and encouragement to take those first steps toward a healthier future,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “I had so much fun visiting students this week and working alongside them, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the challenge brings.”

In advance of the start of round two, Lt. Governor Tressel announced [ [link removed] ] 62 former collegiate and professional athletes who will serve as “Challenge Buddies.” These athletes partner directly with their matched schools to motivate students, share encouragement, and model healthy lifestyles throughout the challenge.

Monday, February 2

On Monday, Lt. Governor Tressel announced [ [link removed] ]five new Challenge Captains who will travel the state alongside him, serving as role models and inspiring participating students.

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 visited Robert Frost Elementary School in Westerville with Challenge Captains Roy Hall Jr., Braxton Miller, Lauren Miller, and DeVier Posey, and was joined by State Representative Brian Lorenz. During the assembly, the Lt. Governor encouraged students to set goals and challenge themselves to build on those goals throughout the 30-day program.

lt governor tressel at robert frost elementary [ [link removed] ]

*Watch the Assembly* [ [link removed] ]


Tuesday, February 3

Lt. Governor Tressel visited Gallia Academy Middle School in Gallipolis, joined by the University of Rio Grande RedStorm Football Head Coach Mike Bartrum, Director of Player Development Orlando Hatchett, and members of the current team. Together, they led students through a mini workout highlighting the challenge’s three fitness subcategories: cardio, strength, and flexibility. State Representative Jason Stephens joined the workout and demonstrated a few strength activities 

lt governor tressel with student at gallia academy middle school [ [link removed] ]

Wednesday, February 4

Lt. Governor Tressel began the day at Warner Middle School in Xenia with Challenge Captain Donnie Evege, a former Warner Middle School student. Donnie shared the acronym STOP – "See The Opportunities Present –" encouraging students to take advantage of learning opportunities, just as he did on his path to earning a scholarship to play football at The Ohio State University. Senator Kyle Koehler also participated in the assembly and shared words of encouragement for the students in attendance. 

lt governor tressel with donnie evege [ [link removed] ]

Later that day, Lt. Governor Tressel visited Our Lady of Perpetual Hope School in Toledo alongside former Ohio State University football and NFL athlete Dane Sanzenbacher, who attended the school. During the school assembly, Lt. Governor Tressel emphasized how important "quiet time," or reflecting on your actions, is for your mental health along with your physical health. During the assembly, Senator Theresa Gavarone and State Representative Erika White joined school staff in demonstrating balance activities with a few yoga poses.

lt governor tressel with students [ [link removed] ]

*Thursday, February 5*

Lt. Governor Tressel's final stop of the week was at Champion Elementary School in Warren, where he was joined by Youngstown State University punter Brendon Kilpatrick. Lt. Governor Tressel led students and school staff through an activity designed to test focus, and students quickly demonstrated just how focused they could be. 

lt. governor tressel with students [ [link removed] ]

Lt. Governor Tressel will be visiting additional schools across Ohio throughout the challenge.

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*LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHALLENGE*

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

YouTube: @TeamTresselChallenge [ [link removed] ]

Follow: Facebook [ [link removed] ]| Instagram [ [link removed] ] | Twitter/X [ [link removed] ]

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