HJH unexpected winner in ‘Biggest Loser’

“The Biggest Loser” turned out to be a big winner for Houma Junior High.

The NBC show’s producers notified Tom Soudelier, the junior high’s principal, that the school was receiving $10,000 for gym equipment courtesy of Houma contestant Vicky Vilcan’s win during the show’s NFL challenge.

The challenge aired during the Thanksgiving episode of the “Biggest Loser: Families.”

Vilcan, who placed third overall in the show’s finale, joined the show along with her husband, Brady.

She opted to donate the prize money from the NFL challenge to her junior high school alma mater to buy a new HOPSports Training System.

On the market for about 18 months, the training system combines exercise and entertainment to help school-age children become more active.

“Obesity is such a big problem, especially among school kids in rural areas. I wanted to give something back to my hometown that helps teach kids how to be physically active so they have a better chance at a healthy life,” Vilcan said.

The producers left it up to Soudelier to decide what type of equipment to purchase. His first choice was the Wii system, however, the NFL decided it was best not to mix the brands.

The HOPSports Training System was the next choice.

HOPSports, a multi-media instructional tool for physical education teachers and fitness instructors, created the cyber-gym as a way to pump kids up about getting fit.

“American kids are more obese than ever,” HOPSports president Cindy Sisson Hensley said in a release. “Our system features professional athletes, stuntmen, dancers, great music, and fun routines that keep kids engaged and having fun while they get active.”

HOPSports partnered with the NFL’s Play 60 in order to reach a broader spectrum of youth. Together, the two programs donated the fitness system to Houma Junior High on behalf of Vilcan.

The total cost of the system was $18,000. Houma Junior High only had $10,000, but Soudelier was committed to getting it. “I told them just send us the $10,000 and we will find a way to come up with the other $8,000,” he said.

Luckily, Play 60, the NFL’s youth, health, and fitness program, donated the other $8,000. Vilcan even made a special visit to the school Oct. 16 when the equipment arrived.

“This program expanded the possibilities of what we can do in our physical education classes,” Soudelier said. “We have gone beyond the traditional recreational regimens and added some actual fitness programs to the mix.”

The physical education class at Houma Junior High has been using the program for the past two months. The program teaches students agility and helps them learn healthy living tips.

Soudelier said the school is transitioning into the program.

“It’s not something you can just throw into a physical education class,” he said. “Only select students use the program. The physical education teachers are using it as an incentive for good behavior.”

Currently, the program is installed in schools in 31 states.

In Louisiana, Houma Junior High is the only school with the training system.

Houma Junior High Principal Tom Soudelier looks on as “Biggest Loser” contestant Vicky Vilcan cuts the ribbon on a HOPSports Training System she helped the school get after winning the show’s NFL challenge. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER