Kent State Athletics Partners With Team Tressel Fitness Challenge to Mentor Local Students
8/28/2026 8:56:00 AM | General
Golden Flashes student-athletes will visit area schools this fall to support the statewide fitness and goal-setting program for grades 3-8
KENT, Ohio — Kent State Athletics has partnered with the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, joining a statewide network of Ohio colleges and universities supporting the program's third round this fall. As part of the partnership, Kent State student-athletes will serve as mentors to elementary and middle school students at local schools, leading activities, offering encouragement, and sharing how goal-setting and hard work have shaped their own athletic careers.
The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge is a free program for Ohio students in grades 3-8, led by Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. Round three of the challenge runs from August 31 through December 4, 2026, and is expected to reach nearly 650,000 students in more than 2,100 schools across all 88 Ohio counties. Participating schools receive grade-specific workbooks and digital resources that guide students through activities focused on cardio, strength, flexibility, nutrition, sleep, and mental and emotional well-being, with students working toward Bronze, Silver, and Gold achievement levels over 30 days.
New for this round, Ohio colleges and universities, including Kent State, have partnered with the challenge to mentor students in their communities. Teams of current Kent State student-athletes will visit local schools throughout the fall semester to lead activities and connect with students.
"We are excited for Kent State Athletics to support students across our community," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond. "Our student-athletes understand firsthand what goal-setting, discipline, and consistent effort can accomplish, and we're proud to share that message with the next generation."
The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge is not a competition among students but a personal growth program designed to build healthy habits without requiring specialized equipment or athletic experience. More information on the statewide challenge is available at TeamTressel.Ohio.gov.
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