MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- For more than 200 years the Marine Corps has set the standards for physical fitness and dedication. So when more than 150 high school students gathered at the depot for the National Youth Physical Fitness Championship May 16 and 17, they were put to the test by some of the most motivational fitness trainers the military has to offer, the United States Marines.
The championships are sponsored by the United States Marines Youth Foundation and hosted by the depot every year. The event was founded in 1967 by retired Maj. Gen. Walter Churchill with the intent of guiding the nation's youth down a path of healthy living, free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, by giving them a challenging task.
Students who make it to the championship go through many hours of grueling preparation.
William Potter, Bethpage High School, Long Island, N.Y., said that he has been preparing for this competition three days a week since December.
“This is my first year participating in this event, but I am excited and feel very confident in my abilities,” said Potter.
Students from 11 high schools from across the country rallied at the depot’s softball field to compete in sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, standing long jump, and the 300-yard shuttle run. Depot Marines motivated the students to put forth maximum effort.
“It feels awesome to be a part of an event that promotes physical fitness in our youth, especially because obesity is such a problem in the United States,” said Lance Cpl. Meghan Haager, disperser, finance. “These kids are in great shape, and it is amazing to see all of the things they can do.”
During the events, the students earned individual scores that were compiled to make their team scores. Awards were presented to both individuals and teams.
South Bronx High School students, from Bronx, N.Y., defeated the other schools in the men’s competition, with a total of 2,368 points. The runner- up was Emmaus High School, from Emmaus, Penn., with a score of 2,343 points.
In the women’s competition, Emmaus High School trumped over its competitors with a score of 1,583 points. Bethpage High School came in second place with a score of 1,574 points.
The male’s individual award was presented to Elizear Torres, South Bronx High School, who had an overall score of 499 points. Ana Vazquez, Mar Vista High School, Imperial, Calif., won the female individual award with a score of 286.
While aboard the depot, students were given the chance to witness a Company H recruit training graduation and visit Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
“I felt honored to be able to watch the graduation, and I think it is amazing that most of the Marines graduating are my age,” said Potter. “I am just relieved that we have such well-trained people protecting our country.”