Huber Ridge students watch with Andy Katzenmoyer as fellow classmates complete a running challenge.
It’s not every day that a National Football League player shows up at one’s school to lead students in exercise drills. But that’s exactly what is happening this month at Huber Ridge Elementary School, where Andy Katzenmoyer, a former New England Patriot, is volunteering his time and expertise with fourth grade students. Katzenmoyer, and his certified training team from Katzenmoyer Performance, recognize that it is essential that children get plenty of physical activity each day. He is visiting the school eight days this month to help students increase motor development skills, fitness levels, and improve their overall health during recess. Each youth training session has included a carefully structured plan designed to provide a balanced workout with maximized results through the incorporation of footwork, balance, coordination, body control, flexibility, and bodyweight strength exercises. Due to the generosity of employees at Katzenmoyer Performance, there is no cost for participating students.
Andy Katzenmoyer, a graduate of Westerville South High School, achieved countless honors during his stellar football career. In high school, for example, he was Mr. Ohio Football and was named USA Today Defensive Player of the Year. Katzenmoyer was a three-year letterman at The Ohio State University (OSU) where, despite playing only three seasons, he finished his career ranked fifth on the school’s career record list with 197 solo tackles and 18 quarterback sacks, and fourth with 50 stops behind the line of scrimmage. In 1999, the New England Patriots drafted him and he played in every game as a rookie, starting the first 11 at middle linebacker. He finished his rookie campaign ranked third on the team with 107 tackles, including 76 solo stops.
Unfortunately, Katzenmoyer suffered a career-ending injury with the Patriots, and retired from playing football. But his passion for training and conditioning continues. He now owns Katzenmoyer Performance, which is located at 200 Hoff Road in Westerville. The mission of his facility is to assist in the development of each individual with their fitness goals regardless of ability, age or obstacle. Huber Ridge Principal Jonathan Langhals expressed gratitude that Katzenmoyer and his team were so generous in engaging his students in exercise that is fun and inspiring them to stay fit. Katzenmoyer and his colleagues will visit additional Westerville elementary schools in coming months.