Despite the bad weather and snow days experienced recently by Ohio County Schools, one local middle school made it up to the Hilltop campus for an active, educational field trip led by WLU Health and Physical Education students.
“We welcomed 180 students from Wheeling Middle School who participated in a full day of physical activity this past Wednesday and enjoyed a variety of classes in the Academic, Sports and Recreational Complex (ASRC),” said Professor Rhonda Noble, who is the interim chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance.
Students had their choice to participate in swimming, racquetball, basketball, yoga, walking or dance in the morning. After enjoying a healthy lunch in the campus cafeteria, students participated in games all afternoon, including Noodle Hockey, human “Hungry, Hungry Hippos,” Kan Jam frisbee, Ladder Golf, Cornhole, Sepak Tak-Ra (foot volleyball), Omnikin Ball and Ultimate Frisbee.
Faculty and staff members Ashley Carter, Debra Dunker, Melissa Hudson, Cathy Monteroso and and Kathleen Wack, coordinated the event with Ohio County Schools Health and Physical Education Teacher Heather Simonetti.
Simonetti stated, “It was an amazing fitness day! Our students absolutely loved it.” Wheeling Middle School enrolls 208 students, grades 6- 8 and is located at 3500 Chapline Street.
“Partnerships like this are a win-win situation,” explained Kathleen Wack.
“The university students have the opportunity to put what they have learned into practice. At the same time, the middle school students have a tangible reward to work toward, learn about the importance of being physically active, and participate in some novel activities that they can’t do at their school. Plus, for many of them, this is the first time that they are experiencing the college environment and we want them to see college as a realistic goal for their future,” she said.
“But most of all though, they had fun being active!” Wack said. It was a first time visit for Wheeling Middle School, though other schools work with the WLU Health and Physical Education students and staff regularly.
To sum it up, middle school teacher Charla Franke said, “It was a great day, and so much fun for the students and teachers. I enjoyed the West Liberty visit and the instructors were great. We are grateful that we were able to do this activity.”
For more information on the Department of Health and Human Performance, please contact Dr. Noble by emailing noblerho@westliberty.edu or call 304-336-8237.