Softball team volunteers for fitness challenge

What started as a challenge from FAMU Police Chief Calvin Ross, has blossomed into a university-wide event dedicated to physical wellness.

The Fourth Annual Physical Readiness Challenge, was recently held at Bragg Memorial Stadium. FAMU Public Safety personnel, the Army ROTC and several other groups participated in the event aimed at promoting living a healthy lifestyle.

The event also honored the graduating class of FAMU's New Beginnings preschool with a day of fun.

Among the volunteers of the event was the FAMU Lady Rattlers Softball team. Coach Veronica Wiggins, Lori Goodart and Willie Williams were on hand to assist with the event. The softball players manned posts on the stadium run event as well as worked and danced with the kids in attendance.

FAMU PD Investigator John Cotton, one of the organizers of the event, was pleased with the sense of unity the event promoted. "After we did the first internal challenge, we opened it up to competitors, because we feel it is a great way to promote living health," Cotton said.

The police chief not only participated, but took first place in the 50-over division. He was ecstatic about the event, saying "I think this event was a monumental success. To bring health and healthy living to a competitive environment is what we accomplished. Everyone who participated today is a winner," Ross added.

The competition was hosted by FAMU Campus Recreation Fitness Coordinator Chip Heimbach. Heimbach explained the rules and was the lead judge at the event.