WHEELING - It was difficult to miss the newest group of volunteers cheering on walkers and runners in this year's Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic. Beside the fact that the group sported fluorescent T-shirts, they were set apart by their enthusiastic support given to race participants. Despite the rain and chilly temperatures, one of the Ohio Valley chapters of Young Life came out to support those running and walking in the day's races.

The teens offered words of encouragement, assistance with clearing the trail and aid to the race participants. The group made up of 45 children and numerous adult leaders, gathered along the bike trail. They lined the trail between mile markers 8, 9, 10 and 11, where the spectators were few and far between. They felt that walkers and runners would need more encouragement there because it is near the end of the race. Leader Bryan Shaffer was thrilled with the feedback his group received from runners.

"It was really neat to see how well received we were. A lot of runners even wanted to stop and thank us, which I thought was funny," said Shaffer.

Shaffer, along with his wife Tera, took leadership of Young Life groups in Ohio and Marshall counties in September of 2004. The schools he is responsible for include John Marshall High School, Wheeling Park High School, Linsly, Mount DeChantal Visitation Academy and Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Throughout the school year, Shaffer estimates 250 teenagers have attended these Young Life groups.

Due to this overwhelming number of attendees, volunteers are enlisted to help with meetings and activities. Currently, there are 13 active volunteers participating in this Young Life chapter. These volunteers range in age from college students to career-aged persons. Many of the volunteers are involved in the students' every day life as coaches, band volunteers, tutors, etc. Their main goal is to build trusting relationships with high school students so that the students will be better able to accept the adults' messages.

Young Life is a non-denominational group geared toward providing positive entertainment and activities for teenagers grades nine to 12. The organization began in Gainesville, Texas, in 1940 when a group of people began to realize that there was no one actively reaching out to high school students. The group decided to make an effort to go out to where high school students were and to form meaningful relationships with them. The group grew and Young Life was formed. The three divisions of Young Life are Young Life Club,Young Life Campaigners and Young Life Summer Camp. There is also a group geared toward those in grades six to eight called Wyld Life.

Young Life Club allows teens to participate in various activities such as songs, skits and games. The teens have fun during most of the meeting but are also given a short, meaningful message from one of the leaders. Club meets about 12 times a semester while school is in session at John Marshall High School, Wheeling Park High School and The Linsly School.

Any interested high school students are encouraged to call Bryan Shaffer at (304) 232-5737.