Team Tressel Fitness Challenge kicks off in more than 1,300 schools
Published 12:00 am Friday, February 13, 2026
Student volunteers and physical education teacher Jim Robinson are called up to demonstrate fitness exercises during a visit by Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel to South Point Middle School in August, announcing the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge at the school. (The Ironton Tribune | Heath Harrison)
Staff report
COLUMBUS — Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel kicked off round two of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge this week 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,” Tressel said. “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 Gov. 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 Tressel to visit schools and inspire participating students. Round two captains include:
Donnie Evege – Former Ohio State University defensive back
Roy Hall Jr. – Former NFL and Ohio State University receiver
Sam Hubbard – Former NFL and Ohio State University defensive end
Braxton Miller – Former NFL wide receiver and Ohio State University quarterback
DeVier Posey – Former NFL and Ohio State University receiver
