Posted: March 10, 2009

Dan Osgood, center for the Brookfield East Spartans, steps to the line, slowly dribbling the ball.

With a glance around the court, he makes his move, sending a deft bounce pass straight toward - an opponent, who in turn bounces the ball across the court to a third competitor.

Confused?

Though Osgood is wearing his basketball warm-ups, the high school senior is actually bouncing a bright yellow playground ball, and the game he's playing doesn't involve hoops.

Osgood is feverishly defending the top square during a game of the playground-favorite, four square.

But he and around 50 other high school students aren't at any old recess. They, with students across the country, were trying to set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous four square game.

The record attempt is part of National Recess Week, an effort to spread the word about the mental and physical benefits of taking a break. The week, March 2 through 6, was sponsored by Cartoon Network, and 10 participating schools, chosen at random, will win a $10,000 grant for athletic equipment.

Junior Elise Lueneburg said she enjoyed the opportunity to play a game she used to while at Tonawanda Elementary.

"It's pretty exciting," Lueneburg said. "I love four square. I'm such a dork."

Part of curriculum

Many of the students that played during the March 3 record attempt are uncommonly good at the game, but it isn't because they've been sneaking over to the Tonawanda playground to practice. Four square is actually part of the curriculum in the Lifetime Activities physical education class, as are bowling, disc golf and more.

In addition to Lifetime Activities, Elmbrook added five other new gym class choices for 2008-09: Team Sports, Shape Up, Ultimate Strength and Conditioning, Lifeguarding and Outdoor Pursuits.

Physical education teacher Keith Bilello, who helped organize the four square event, said the new classes are meant to increase participation by allowing students to choose activities they're more interested in.

"Some kids aren't made for football or basketball," Bilello said. "This is a way that they can still enjoy some activity."

Record on hold

Osgood, however, is one of the kids that does happen to be made for basketball. Even in four square, he's playing on the most competitive court.

"I like to compete. I still like to have fun, but I like to win," Osgood said.

He'll have to be patient, though. Bilello said the official participation numbers are still being verified, so Osgood isn't a world record-holder yet.

 

Isral DeBruin can be reached at (262) 446-6608.

AT A GLANCE

In the 2009-10 school year, Elmbrook plans to add three more alternative physical education courses: Lifetime Activities II, Variety Sports and Ultimate Strength and Conditioning II.