COLUMBUS, Ohio -- From college campuses to classrooms across the state, Ohio's student-athletes are coming together as one team with one mission: to help the next generation reach its full potential.

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel today announced that every college and university in Ohio with an athletic program is partnering with the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge to bring student-athletes into participating schools in their communities. Throughout the fall, those student-athletes will visit nearby schools and share lessons from their own experiences, encouraging students to set goals, build confidence, support their teammates, and develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

"It's important that Ohio's students know their goals are within reach," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "Our student-athletes are real, local examples of what is possible and reminders that their dreams may not be as far away as they seem. By sharing their time, experiences, and encouragement, these athletes can give our young people the confidence to believe in themselves and become the best version of who they are."
    
Today's announcement expands the Challenge's statewide athlete mentor network. Earlier this fall, Lt. Governor Tressel announced the 137 former college and professional athletes, coaches, and trainers serving as Challenge Captains and Challenge Buddies.

Together, these mentors help bring the Challenge directly to students through school visits, assemblies, workouts, and conversations about the habits that support success both on the field and in the classroom.

Student-athletes will reinforce the Challenge's focus on cardio, strength, flexibility, nutrition, and sleep while helping students understand that caring for their mental health is just as important as caring for their physical health.

The goal of the athlete mentor network is to connect students with role models who believe in them and show them what is possible when they believe in themselves.

"Establishing positive habits and discipline will pay dividends throughout your life," said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey. "I'm pleased that so many of our colleges and universities have stepped up to join the Lt. Governor in this important program."

Shawnee State University students joined Lt. Governor Tressel at a Team Tressel Fitness Challenge assembly at Oak Intermediate School in New Boston.

"Lt. Governor Tressel's remarkable career includes national championships and leadership roles at three of Ohio's public universities, but his impact has always extended well beyond wins on the field. He has spent his career showing generations of students and student-athletes how discipline, resilience, teamwork, and healthy habits can unlock their potential," said Laura Lanese, President and CEO of the Inter-University Council of Ohio. "Today, more than 5,000 student-athletes at Ohio's public universities live those lessons every day as they balance the demands of training, academics, and competition. Through the athlete mentor network, they now have an exciting opportunity to inspire Ohio's next generation—to help young people see what's possible, believe that college is within reach, and build the habits that can carry them from the classroom to college and beyond. The Inter-University Council is proud to be part of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge."

"Ohio's independent colleges are excited to partner with Lt. Governor Tressel to grow the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. Our campuses and the program share the most important goal of all: helping students reach their full potential," said C. Todd Jones, President and General Counsel of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio. "Student-athletes at AICUO institutions already know their communities. Their campuses partner with local schools, businesses, and families every day, which positions these athletes to step in as mentors for elementary children through the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge."

Round three of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge kicked off in August 2026 and is now reaching a record 655,000 students at nearly 2,200 schools across all 88 Ohio counties.

Together, students are setting personal goals, working toward bronze, silver, and gold achievement levels, and becoming the best version of themselves.

Visit TeamTressel.Ohio.gov to learn more about the Challenge and how you can join Team Tressel in supporting Ohio's next generation.