The young women of Olentangy Shanahan Middle School (OSMS) were treated to lunch with Coach Rita Somerlot this month. Somerlot is the current track and field coach for the Ohio State University and was on the Olympic staff for the games in Greece, Australia and China. She spoke to groups of seventh and eighth grade girls during their lunch periods about what it takes to be a successful female athlete. The students also heard from members of the Olentangy High School (OHS) women’s basketball team, which had earned its second consecutive Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) title the prior evening. Emily R., Brigid F. and Kelsey A. spoke of their experiences as high school athletes and what the OSMS students could expect when they competed at higher levels. The event was organized by Gina Decaminada and the OSMS guidance department.
Rita Somerlot, current OSU track and field coach and a former member of the Olympic coaching team, meets with female students at OSMS. OHS basketball players Kelsey A., Emily R. and Brigid F. are pictured standing at the right of the photo.