Limestone Represented At SCAHPERD Conference

Eight Limestone College students took part in the 89th annual South Carolina Alliance For Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (SCAHPERD) Conference and Exposition held Nov. 11-13 in Myrtle Beach.

Those attending were Elizabeth Bunn, Ross Benzel, Tyler Gaulton, Madison Holley, Marissa Johnson, Josh Lang, Callie Phillips, and Ryan Stephens.

Limestone Associate Professor of Physical Education Dr. Cindy Cavanaugh presented a program entitled “Physical Education – Higher Education: An Open Discussion.” The program was designed for the physical education faculty in higher education to share information concerning various issues.

Along with Dr. Cavanaugh, several of the Limestone students presented “Assessment in Elementary Physical Education – The Learning Process.” The group presented their assessment projects from their elementary clinical practice.

The students also took part in a “Superstars” competition that featured a variety of physical activities. The event was designed to provide students from the 10 participating colleges and universities with an opportunity to meet their future colleagues and to bond within their majors’ clubs through friendly competition.

Also at the conference, Lang was presented with the Robert Hampton Scholarship Award. Lang is a 21-year-old senior from Pelion who is majoring in Physical Education. A member of the Saints baseball team, he will graduate in May of 2017. Lang is currently student-teaching at both Limestone Central Elementary School and Ewing Middle School in Gaffney.

The Robert Hampton Scholarship Award is given annually to a full-time undergraduate student who serves as a positive role model, assumes responsibility for professional growth, is strong academically, and shows professional commitment through membership and involvement in local, state and/or national organizations.

Also at the conference, the Secondary Level Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Limestone graduate Chad Cooksey, who is currently a social studies teacher and the head strength and conditioning coach at Landrum High School.

Cooksey has also coached football, wrestling, and track at Landrum. Currently in his ninth year, he is also club director for the Team Landrum Barbell weightlifting team.

Nominated by his peers, Cooksey earned the high school-level award for his dedication to students; professional membership in local, state and national physical education organizations; and serving as a positive role model.

“Chad Cooksey has not only changed the culture of the athletic department, but changed the culture of Landrum High School,” said Mike Gentry, Landrum High athletic director, in a statement. “Our coaches have seen tremendous strides from a strength standpoint, but also a huge gain in confidence in our kids' attitudes toward competing. Chad challenges these athletes to sacrifice for the team which, in turn, pays big dividends for the individual. Chad affects everyone around him in a positive way. He has a distinct way of blending enthusiasm with hard work that makes athletes and coaches love to be around him.”

The South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance is the only association for professionals involved in health, physical, and dance education, in South Carolina. Members are current, retired, or future professionals who work in schools, higher education, community organizations, government, and non-government organizations. The mission of SCAHPERD is “to promote health, physical activity, and wellness among the state’s citizens through effective leadership, professional development, education, and advocacy.”

(Accompanying photo: Cooksey and Lang with their awards.)