Titan's T-Rac teaches 'Play 60'

It was a crazy "racoonie" time at Mt. Juliet Elementary School Friday afternoon when students uproared while watching Tennessee Titans mascot T-Rac's antics during a learning visit. 

Along with all the laughter that afternoon were some pertinent "life lessons" and tips that managed to sink into the minds of the youngsters.

The Tennessee Titans have partnered with Tennessee State Parks to place additional focus on the Titans' "Play 60" school program led by T-Rac, the Pro Bowl mascot.

The initiative tries to get kids to do at least 60 minutes of active play each day. Tennessee State Parks spokesperson Laura Franklin said one of the best places to be active is at one of the fun-filled Tennessee state parks.

"There's 54 of them," she said. "There's one near you."

Tennessee Titans radio announcer Rhett Bryan hosted the interactive charged-filled program that had loud music and T-Rac dancing up a storm and interacting with the students. Via a message system, the students were able to hear advice from Titans quarterback Jake Locker and player Jason McCourty, who showed his muscles and told them he gained them through exercise and eating right.

MJES Assistant Principal Ginger Ash said she was thrilled to have the program there for the students.

"We want to encourage the students to be active and healthy and get out and play," she said.

The school does have a 30 minute recess time and 50 minutes of Physical Education, which automatically absorbs the suggested physical activity time.

"They are getting their 60 minutes here," she said. "We want them to do more."

She said school administration meets one time a month to discuss how students can better exercise and nutrition during the school day.

During the program, T-Rac was center stage and told the students the secret word was "Play 60," which the students shouted out at appropriate times.

"Just take a little time to get off the couch," said Bryan. "Go outside and play for 60 minutes."

T-Rac demonstrated proper sit up exercises and talked about being "fueled up," and getting plenty of sleep, good nutrition and no junk food.

At one point an "inflated Rack" came upon the scene, rolly polly and twirling around the gym. He "swallowed" up a Titans intern and rolled out of the gym, much to the surprise of the students.

Locker spoke to the students on a prerecorded tape. He talked about how he always liked to be active and play and that's how "I'm at this point in my life."

"Believe in yourself and don't let anyone tell you you can't have a better life," he told the students.

Titan's Coach Mike Munchak also spoke via remote to the students.

"It's very important to study," he said. "Our players study the playbook everyday."

The program also taught the students the importance of listening to teachers and making right choices.

Managing Editor Laurie Everett can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 46 or by email at mtjulietnews@tds.net

Titans Mascot T-Rac steals the show at Mt. Juliet Elementary School Friday. The Titans partnered with the Tennessee State Parks to put on a program that promotes exercise.