Warrior Wellness: Willowbrook physical education, health and driver education staff members share how they stayed active and fit this summer

Welcome to a new school year at Willowbrook!

Our students are working hard every day to become more educated with their health and wellness, and we are thrilled to showcase those accomplishments through this monthly column. The focus of this month’s Warrior Wellness column is to share how the physical education, health and driver education staff enjoyed summer activities and sports. As a staff of former athletes and health-minded individuals, we like to show we have fun being active just as much as we enjoy sharing our passion for well-being with students to help them develop an active and fit lifestyle!

Mike Haussmann, Willowbrook physical education, health and driver education Department Head, spent a significant portion of summer break in Wisconsin enjoying golf, fishing and bike riding. He’s pictured above getting ready to tee off for a round of golf.

Staff member Rachel Karos (pictured above, third from left in the back row) spent Sundays in Chicago participating in Chicago sports leagues. During the summer, her team competed in softball, and the team will begin its fall flag football season this month.

Staff member Steven Belknap participated in water sports and played beach volleyball in summer leagues. He also enjoyed racing in triathlons and is training for his first marathon. He’s pictured above getting ready to try out his new water ski.

Staff member Julie Foster went on an amazing trip to Belize this summer with her son, Nolan. She’s pictured above after climbing one of the many Mayan Ruins in Belize.

Staff member Richard Ortiz spent his summer in Michigan on the lake. He also attended wrestling camps and worked on his golf game. He’s pictured above (at left) with staff member Troy Nelson getting ready to tee off.

Staff member Amy Stark (pictured above) spent her summer watching her two children play basketball throughout the Midwest. During her free time, she enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities, as well as strength training, biking and running.

Staff member Clyde Ware spent time with his family, visiting state parks and exploring the countryside. He also coached cross-country and track and field. He’s pictured above preparing his daughter for her first 1K run.

Staff member Eduardo DeLaCruz (pictured above, at right) soaked in the soccer games being played this summer through the World Cup. His favorite club team is Manchester United Football Club, and he watched a rivalry game of Manchester United versus Liverpool Football Club at “The Big House” at University of Michigan and was able to see a soccer game in front of 105,000 people.

• The Warrior Wellness column provides an inside look into the physical education, health and driver education classes at Willowbrook. This feature will highlight what students are working on in the classroom, as well as student successes in those departments. The column will run on the first Friday of each month during the school year.