Madison Reporter

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has received a $40,000 grant from the CrossFit Foundation for physical education equipment. The grant will benefit MMSD's four comprehensive high schools: East, La Follette, Memorial, and West High School.

“The Madison Area Sports Commission made us aware of the CrossFit grant opportunity, which is available after CrossFit has been in a community for their games,” said Jeremy Schlitz, MMSD District Athletic Director. The CrossFit Games were held in Madison from 2017-2023.

Each school will receive $10,000 for new gym equipment and training materials, including power racks, resistance bands, free weights, dumbbells, hurdles and plyometric gear. Schlitz expressed gratitude for the grant amidst recent renovations at MMSD athletic facilities across the four high schools.

"Now our newly renovated weight rooms will be filled, and we will be able to provide additional fitness and training tools to support our entire community,” Schlitz said. “From adult and youth MSCR classes to our physical education classes and student-athletes, all will benefit."

High school athletic directors across the district emphasized that the funding would have a lasting impact on students' health.

"The opportunity to work out together will help build and strengthen relationships among the athletes," said Tim Richardson, Vel Phillips Memorial High School's Director of Athletics.

Corvonn J. Gaines, Director of Athletics at West High School, echoed this sentiment. “It’s a game-changer that will not only enhance athletic performance but also build a stronger, more united school community."

Community support of the 2020 Referendum facilitated brand-new renovations at MMSD athletic facilities across all four comprehensive high schools. As the 2024-25 athletic season approaches, these updates aim to provide students with greater opportunities to excel in sports and create lasting memories.

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