BY CHRISTINE WOLFF
The Cincinnati Enquirer
![[gym class]](/editions/1998/11/24/fitness_180x115.jpg)
Phys ed teacher Patrick Rexcoat gives Alex Woll a high-five as second graders jog for three minutes.
(Saed Hindash photo)
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UNION TOWNSHIP - Happy-to-exercise youngsters at a Clermont County elementary school have earned the nation's top grade for curl-ups, push-ups and pull-ups.
Willowville Elementary School won the highest score in the nation, among large schools, in the Presidential Physical Fitness Awards.
The presidential award recognizes students who do the prescribed number of physical tasks. Willowville won with 58.6 percent, or 347, of its students earning the designation.
For the 10th consecutive year, Willowville was named Ohio's state fitness champion in Category III (enrollment over 500 students) in 1997-98.
Crosby Elementary School in Harrison was named Ohio's fitness champion for Category II (smaller enrollments), with 39 percent. "I let students know from the very first day - this is your legacy, your school," said Patrick Rexroat, physical-education teacher for 21 years at Willowville.
Mr. Rexroat credits parents and coaches for helping get students in shape.
"I get them one hour a week," he said. "The parents are so incredibly supportive. . . . I see so many parents walking with their kids, jumping rope with their kids."
Active parents are potent role models, says Gregory Heath of the CDC. Girls especially need a push before junior high.
![[gym class]](/editions/1998/11/24/fitness_550x352.jpg)