School's first triathlon a successful endeavor
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Tired but happy Delphi Community High School freshman JordanWagner and 7th-grader Shelbi Fisher were weighted down by awards but had high spirits after taking top boys' and girl's spots at the first Delphi Middle School Triathlon held Sept. 5 at Lake Shafer in Monticello.Wagner finished with a time of 38-minutes 5-seconds. Fisher's time was 42-minutes 2-seconds. Sentiments from both students echoed those of virtually all participants, their parents and school staff. "I think if you put on another triathlon, you would have more kids come out,"Wagner said. Fisher added "the event should continue because this is a great opportunity for middle school kids." Photo provided

What does it take to motivate a young mind? Physical activity has a direct positive impact on mental development according to Delphi CommunityMiddle School Physical Education teacher Theresa Traver.

That theory was a motivating factor when her vision of a Middle School Triathlon came to fruition Sept. 5 at Lake Shafer in Monticello.

Twenty-five students swam 200 yards, biked five and a half miles and ran two miles at Stevenson's Pointe under the watchful eye of school staff, officers from the Department of Natural Resources, White County Sheriff's Department, parents and members of the community.

Traver said participants, organizers and onlookers agreed the race was a success in many ways.

"We were looking for ways to get kids active and involved in physical activity during the summer," she said. "Family involvement and community wellness were important goals. I believe we achieved that and much more."

Top male competitors by grade were:

• 7th grade - Erik Carpenter, 41:27 (minutes:seconds); Kaleb Salyer, 44:36; and T.J. Boehning, 46:39.

• 8th grade - Kendall Baker, 43:46; Zack Thomas, 44:45; and Chad Parish, 48:55; and

• 9th grade - JordonWagner, 38:05.

Top females were:

• 7th grade - Shelbi Fisher, 42:02; and Shelby Disinger, 52:4; and

• 8th grade - Emily Layman and Taylor Saul, both with 49:07; and Ariel Isley, 49:35.

Overall winners JordonWagner and Shelbi Fisher received trophies. Each participant received a medal.

DCSC Superintendent Ralph Walker hosted lunch and awards presentations after the race at his home on the lake. He said the triathlon promoted excitement and encourage students to stay active.

Although one is not officially planned, students are already starting exercise regimes with hopes of participating in the triathlon next year. Students were required to pass the president's physical fitness test and trials at the school to take part in the race.

Traver said she had wanted to create the race for several years, but was met with resistance from previous administrators.

"The people we have now are so helpful and encouraging," she told the Comet on Monday. "They want good things for the children."

She said she hoped the event's success would be built upon in the future.

"There seems to be a lot of momentum behind it because it was such a good thing for students, their families and the community," she said. "I believe everyone, students most of all, would benefit if it we could do this annually."