BETHEL — For the second consecutive year, the Monticello Spartan Club visited Bethel Woods to compete in the obstacle course race the club is named after.

Monticello has seen growth in the club, from 38 student-Spartans last year to 45 this year in the middle school.

On Sunday, over 65 Monticello students, staff and community members took on the challenge.

 The Spartan Club in Monticello was organized, and is led, by Scott Cooper, a Health Education teacher in Monticello.

With Support from Sullivan 180 and their Empowering a Healthier Generation initiative, the young Spartans were able to acquire and utilize training equipment that would help them to hone their skills before the race.

The Kids Race, which the Middle Schoolers in the club competed in, was a 1-3K race with obstacles.

The high school, staff and community members had the choice of the 5K Sprint with 20 obstacles and the 10K Super with 25 obstacles.

Coach Cooper, who ran the race himself on Sunday, received a message from a parent highlighting the experience and the importance of the club.

“Today was unbelievable. You have taught these kids not only about health and wellness, but you have taught them what it means to be committed, overcome adversity and to dig deeper than they ever thought possible,” the message read. “Every one of these kids, and every one of us adults are better people because of you and your incredible dedication.”

Those kind words, shared with the paper by Cooper, fully encompass the race and what it means to complete it. 

The hard work leading up to the race with training, and the nerves on race day all culminate in a euphoric rush upon crossing the finish line.

Taking the challenge head on and overcoming the obstacles standing in your way is something that should be celebrated. These Monticello athletes worked hard and achieved the goal that they set out for and should be proud.

“The Spartan Club and working with these youngsters at RJK have given me some of the best memories in my teaching career,” Cooper said. “They demonstrate resilience, grit, team work and empathy, all core values that will help them succeed.”