Holley students, many of whom have participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, are now able to take jumping rope to a whole new level. At this year’s Jump Rope for Heart event and at special assemblies at both schools, Anthony "Buddy" Lee performed and spoke to students about his experiences as a 1992 member of the U.S. Olympic Team in Greco Roman wrestling, three time World Military Champion and World Cup Medalist, 20-time National Wrestling Champion, and two-time Marine Athlete of the Year. Lee is famous for his incredible jump rope skills, putting on exhibitions for presidents and world leaders, and appearing on network TV and in over 6,000 workshops, clinics and school assemblies. His patented jump ropes are the U.S. Olympic Team Official jump ropes and are used, along with his training methods, by athletes for improved balance, coordination, speed, agility, power conditioning, and concentration.

“Jumping rope improves your cardiovascular health,” said Lee. “It also increases your bone density.” Lee was inspired to begin jumping rope as a child when he saw his neighbor, a fourth-degree black belt, using it to train. “He told me to practice and practice and that I would get faster and faster, and I did,” he told the students.

Lee helped Holley celebrate 25 years of participating in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart. The district raised over $206,000 for AHA programs and research during that time. Physical Education Teacher Lisa Campbell organizes the event every year and wanted this year to stand out. In addition to inviting Lee to inspire the jumpers, she invited Holley graduates Dan Cole and Mark Fantasia to provide music while students jumped. She also dedicated the event to Noel Lutes, Holley soccer coach and former student, who died of a heart attack in November. His motto was, “If you had fun, then you won.” Lutes’ family was on hand to help honor him. His son, Keith, said that he hopes the event raises more money than ever so that a cure for heart disease can be found.

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