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Thanks to the Cadets that participated in the Presidential Fitness Challenge Day: Fox, Kilgore, Pahr, Sebesta, Hannigan, and Johnson. Fitness Day was packed with more than just the ordinary testing elements. Again, the Cadet/Senior Member ratio was even, so we began with the stretching and getting limbered up. The Cadets arrived at the Armory fresh and just couldn't wait to do the Shuttle Run, and some enjoyed it so much they did it twice. Even our freshly Captained Commander tried this one with a stellar result. All the Cadets passed the shuttle run, but Kilgore had the wings. Then it was a water break and down into push-ups. Again the Cadets ripped out push-ups without much effort. Over-all Lt. Keith Sebesta was voted to have the best form. Lt. Fox ordered another water break which we quickly learned is code for a pick-up basketball game, Cadets against Seniors.

The first basketball game was more than exciting and of course the Seniors won. Lt. Sebesta was awarded the "play of the game" with his creative assist. He insisted he could only play baseball, but he moved that basketball like a medicine ball, on his knees even, surrounded by three Cadets, pushing the ball 'linebacker style' squarely into the Johnsonator, clearing the way for yet another scoring point made by the super spry Lt. Fox - The Energizer. So much for the water break.

We moved outside for curl-ups, then another water break (for real) and on to the mile run. All the Cadets ran that too with C/Hannigan leading the way. And because that wasn't enough, we went back inside for another game of basketball. To really appreciate the moves on that court, you had to be there. So, how many times do you have to lap a half-court to tire out a Cadet? I lost count, but C/Hannigan never broke a sweat while I was gasping for air.

With the testing officially finished we all went down the street to my house for lunch. Mr. Pahr (Cookie) had everything ready but we were rained-in, so we ate in. Lt. Leif and a bevy of pre-Cadets joined us for lunch and we waited out the rain, then went to the field to play volleyball. Not ordinary volleyball, but volleyball Cadet style. I lost count of the many rule changes, but I believe they won every single game. Then, because they didn't get enough volleyball, we played C/CMSgt. Sebesta Volleyball. This, we all learned very quickly is really some sort of brutal Mongolian volleyball/dodge ball. The point of the game was to see how many times you could make C/Commander Fox run into the weeds after the ball. Way too much fun.....you'll have to ask us.

There are Cadets that made alternate testing arrangements that have yet to test. The Challenge requires 100% participation from all the Cadets. Any other Cadets that did not show up on Saturday must speak to Lt. Fox for testing arrangements so our Squadron can qualify for one of the three medal rankings.

I especially want to thank Lt. Ron Fox for pursuing this event for the Cadets of our Squadron. He has done a wonderful job making sure the Cadets have been training for this event for the last two months at almost every meeting. The Cadets were more than prepared for the Challenge. Thank you again for the great Senior Member support: Copt. Markegard, Lt., Leif, Lt. Fox, Lt. Sebesta and SM Sommer. None of this can happen without the help and dedication of our Senior Support Staff, Cadets and the parents that get their Cadets to Civil Air Patrol events like this.

Overall, it was deemed a fun day with lots of camaraderie, a lot accomplished, and plans for other fun events to follow.

Amy Pahr, 1Lt - DCFC
St. Paul Composite Squadron

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