(April 23, 2008)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073

Cross Country Team Reaches Out During Healthy Kid's Fun Run

SHREVEPORT—Showing that running can be a fun and healthy way to exercise, Centenary's Cross Country team took to the streets with more than 200 students from local schools during the 3rd Annual Healthy Kids Fun Run April 22 here on campus. The event targeted elementary school children in hopes of promoting running as an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

The route had runners loop around the Centenary campus and was strictly for fun with no time limit, and where everyone was a winner. After the completion of the run, all the children were admitted into the baseball complex to cheer on the Gents take on the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

"All the hard work put in to this race was all worth it because the kids were given an opportunity to be in a fun, safe environment and exercise," said cross country team member Laura Way, a physical education major and co-director of the Kids' Run. "At the end of it, that's all that really matters anyway!"

Besides the Healthy Kids' Fun Run, the Centenary men's and women's cross country teams enjoyed a busy week of community involvement. From presentations by Head Coach Dr. Shelley Armstrong to runs with local schools, the cross country team has been doing its part to create a healthier Shreveport-Bossier area.

"The members of the Cross Country teams and the other Centenary student volunteers love interacting with the children," said Armstrong. "They don't realize how much younger students look up to them until they become actively involved in such an event."

Armstrong presented at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) national convention recently. Her research study "Social Connectedness, Self-Esteem, and Depression among Collegiate Athletes Versus Non-athletes" was a featured presentation in the convention's research consortium.

On April 17, many of the Ladies and Gents ran with South Highland Elementary School's Run Club. It was a great afternoon and members from both teams shared in the benefits of having a cardiovascular regimen that will help lead to a healthier lifestyle for many of the youngsters.

_{—photos by Rick DelaHaya}

"It is our goal to teach children at a young age that running is a fun and central activity in living a healthy life," explained Armstrong. "Running is too often used punishment, so we are giving children an opportunity to participate in a socially uplifting event. Many of the local elementary schools have started running clubs. Knowing they are coming to a college campus to participate in the Healthy Kids' Fun Run gives the students motivation and teaches them to set goals throughout the semester. It gives them something to look forward to as they log laps around their own school grounds."

Here are the Final Results

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrates 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.