Legislators Honor Emmaus HS Fitness Teams

Boys and girls squads capture team, individual national honors

Local state legislators honored and officially recognized the Emmaus Boys and Girls Fitness Teams for their dominating performance in sweeping the team and individual championships at a recent national competition sponsored by the United States Marines Youth Foundation.

The six-member squads were recognized and presented with citations for their exemplary achievement at the 2010 Youth Physical Fitness Championship in May by state Senators Bob Mensch and Pat Browne and state Representatives Doug Reichley and Karen Beyer.

In addition to sweeping the team competitions, Emmaus High students Julie Crump and Nino Adamo won the girls and boys individual championships at the meet.

"The community can take great pride in the achievements – as a team and individually – of these athletes," said Senator Mensch. They truly put on a remarkable performance and they deserve our congratulations and admiration."

More than 175 high school students from across the nation competed in five events -- broad jump, pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a shuttle run.

"I'd like to offer my congratulations to the teams and their coaches for a job well done," said Senator Browne. "These results show the dedication and perseverance of these young men and women."

Complementing the championship performances of Crump and Adamo, all of the team members achieved high scores in the individual girls and boys competitions.

For the girls, Samantha Fruhwirth finished third; Alex Fruhwirth, fourth; Meghan Melnick, seventh; Kayla Ferrizzi, 10th; and Kacy Wittman, 15th.

For the boys, Brad Diehl, finished second; Jake O'Donnell, third; Steve McCabe, fourth; Sam O'Donnell, sixth; and, Colin Christopoulos, eighth.

"The students were up against competitors from states across the country including Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Texas," said Representative Reichley. "That makes the team and – especially the individual results – so remarkable."

Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in state, regional and national physical fitness competitions sponsored by the United States Marines Youth Foundation. Winners from the state competition advance to regional events. Regional winners earn a spot at the National High School Physical Fitness Championships held in San Diego each spring.

"It is appropriate that the Commonwealth and the Lehigh Valley community recognize the accomplishments of these young men and women," said Representative Beyer. "Their hard work paid off and they truly deserve the rewards and recognition that they earned."