Doug Bierzychudek, a dedicated physical education teacher at Jeffco Public Schools for 27 years, recently retired, marking the departure of one of the few remaining advocates for competitive sports in school Field Days.
Bierzychudek held a day-long, traditional Field Day celebration at Blue Heron Elementary in Littleton, where students participated in both competitive and non-competitive events.
In the morning, events like the 40-meter dash, hurdles, and the three-legged race showcased athletic talent, and placement ribbons were awarded for the top performances.
As he explained, this event format reflected his belief in exposing students to real-life situations encompassing both winning and losing, which he sees as vital in preparing them for life outside school.
“Over the last couple decades, there was a push to not being competitive at Field Day,” Bierzychudek stated. “Everything competitive was dummied down. Everyone gets a ribbon, everyone wins, everyone feels good. That notion hit the whole country, except for my classes and my Field Day.”
Bierzychudek, despite adjusting to changing educational philosophies, remained one of the few physical education teachers who recognized individual winners.
His hybrid approach to Field Day, combining competitive track and field with collaborative games, reflects a school district philosophy that emphasizes adapting events to fit local cultures and traditions.
As other physical education teachers have noted, the trend has shifted significantly away from formal competitions and toward promoting teamwork and engagement.
Joe Deutsch, president of the Society of Health and Physical Educators and a professor at North Dakota State, emphasized a cultural shift in physical education.
“Thirty, forty years ago, the focus (in P.E.) was on developing athletes. Now, Field Day is about having fun, fostering lifelong physical activity and enjoying the moment, rather than winning ribbons,” said Deutsch.
At the same time, the afternoon portion of Bierzychudek’s Field Day featured non-competitive activities that sought to immerse students in teamwork and cooperation, such as squirt tag and parachute games.
The school’s culture played a crucial role in the format and philosophy of the Field Day events, as explained by Laurie LaComb, Douglas County School District’s specials coordinator.
Many physical education teachers around Colorado endorse a fresh approach, focusing on enjoyment and participation over competition.
Owen Plyler, a P.E. teacher at Powderhorn Elementary, describes his events as a mix of health and fitness activities intertwined with team-building exercises, stating that competition remains a component, but not the driving force.
Similarly, Kelly Donnelly, a P.E. teacher at Ashley Elementary in Denver, emphasizes cooperation and good sportsmanship during her Field Day.
Donnelly’s events include traditional activities like tug-of-war alongside innovative challenges that require teamwork and collaboration, removing the emphasis on winning and ribbons.
“Every year, I make it a point to stress that the people are more important than the game,” she said, noting that the focus of her Field Day aligns with the encouraging attitudes she cultivates in her students throughout the school term.
At Trevista at Horace Mann Elementary, Aric Pelafas has embraced flexibility in Field Day arrangements, giving students the freedom to choose which activities to engage in, breaking away from the rigid structure of traditional events.
Pelafas does not give out ribbons during Field Day but organizes a fall race where medals are awarded to top finishers, maintaining a balance between recognizing achievement and promoting a laid-back environment.
Amidst this shift, the nostalgia for the past remains prevalent among those who experienced the blue-ribbon days.
Donnelly highlights conversations among parents who look back fondly on the way things used to be, reflecting a sense of humor about the lengths they went to in promoting competition in sports.
Grandview football coach Tom Doherty fondly recalls the anticipation he felt before Field Day events, which contributed to his passion for athletics.
Yet, Deutsch argues that the current form of Field Day aims to engage a broader range of students who might not participate in traditional athletics, suggesting that the competitive nature of sports has found new outlets outside of school.
Ten-year-old Bennett Moreland, a standout athlete, sees both sides of the conversation regarding Field Day.
While he enjoys winning and wishes there were ribbons for his achievements, he also understands the importance of ensuring all his classmates feel supported and valued, win or lose.
Bierzychudek’s former P.E. coordinator, David Yonkie, believes that the importance of ribbons often relies more on parental nostalgia than on the students’ experiences.
However, Bierzychudek firmly contends that competition and recognition matter deeply to students.
As he transitions into retirement, he remains passionate about ensuring the spirit of competition lives on, vowing to continue promoting athletic achievement as he imparts his values onto his grandchildren.
“Kids, they miss the real competition. They thrive on it,” Bierzychudek noted, asserting that the pride associated with earning ribbons is a significant motivator.
As the landscape of physical education evolves, Bierzychudek’s heartfelt commitment to fostering a competitive spirit in school sports will be fondly remembered and missed, reflecting a time when competitive Field Days were an integral part of childhood.
image source from：https://www.denverpost.com/2025/06/04/field-day-evolution-ribbons/
