Cape basketball stars kick off Jump Rope for Heart

Shields Elementary School kicked off its annual Jump Rope for Heart program Feb. 14, as students were treated to a schoolwide assembly. Highlighting the assembly were Cape basketball senior stars Ian Robertson and Randy Rickards. Both were introduced to the students, and it was announced that the two basketball stars will be a part of the schoolwide incentives.  

The players, who each reached the 1,000-point milestone last week, signed a Nike basketball, which will be the prize for the top fundraiser of the school. In addition, if the school reaches a school-record $7,000, the students will be treated to a “slamfest” featuring Randy and Ian in the historic Shields gym.

“It was really cool to have the boys involved in the program,” said teacher and former Cape basketball player Jen Hochrein. “Our students were excited to have them, and it was good for them as well to be role models for the younger kids.”

Following the introductions and an exciting short movie about the program, the students were treated to a jump rope contest featuring player Ian Robertson, veteran teacher Chantel Smith, rookie teacher Maura Johnson, long-term substitute Anna Frederick and lastly, me as the physical education teacher. Robertson won the contest. I am ashamed to admit I was the first out. 

Students who finish in the top 10 will receive another fun incentive, as they will be able to turn Principal Jennifer Nauman into a colorful “silly string” princess.

Lastly, the class that finishes in first place will be treated to a pizza party in the gym.

Students and parents set up a web page to be shared among their friends and family where people can go online and donate to the American Heart Association. 

All five elementary schools in the Cape Henlopen School District participate in the Jump Rope for Heart program.  

Valentine’s Day 5K

The 13th annual Valentine’s 5K Run & Walk was held Feb. 11 in wet conditions at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. A small field of 65 participants took part in the event that took the athletes from the Fishing Pier to the lookout at Fort Miles and back. Joey Andrisani of Wilmington easily captured the overall male title in a winter cruising time of 18:31, while Tyler Blades of Frankford was second in 20:37. Young Bennett Brumbley of Laurel took third in 22:12, with Striders truck driver Enos Benbow right behind in 22:14. Bill Rhodunda of Wilmington captured the male masters with a fifth-place finish in 22:55.

On the female side of the action, it was regular Jackie Quigley of Georgetown with an eighth-place finish to win the overall female title in 23:36, while close behind was Devin Hundley of Bethany Beach with a time of 23:46 for ninth place. Young Faith Mitchell of Milford was third among female runners and 12th overall in 24:05, while Eugenija King was 13th in 24:40. Keren Rams rounded out the top five female runners with a 14th-place finish in a time of 24:52. Kelly Rhodunda of Wilmington won the female masters division in a time of 26:29.

Moonlight Flashlight Run

The 24th April Fools Day Run, this year called the Moonlight Flashlight Run, will take place at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 3. This unique run, with a distance from three to six miles, will require all runners to carry or wear one of the following: flashlight, head lamp, iPhone light, strobe light. No lights, no start.  The race will take off from the Fishing Pier on a course to be determined through the park. More information can be found at www.seashorestriders.com.  A fun night of running in glow. See you at the start!