Boring. A Waste of time. Gross. These are all adjectives used to describe gym class by many Yorktown students. However, for the select few that take gym seriously at our school this could not be further from the truth. For Collin Damato and Nate Randles, gym class is everything.

As the gym class played basketball today, Damato was a dominant force on defense. Despite some struggles from three shooting at an abysmal 6% clip from beyond-the-arc, he continued to hustle throughout the game totaling 8 boards and 1 block. Damato is always willing to make the hustle plays and do the dirty work. He models this after his favorite Chicago Bull and bad-boy Piston Dennis Rodman.

“I got that Dennis Rodman mentality…I’ve just always had it…It’s just something I learned growing up,” Damato said.

Damato never lets himself get rattled, as he continued to pull threes after a 0/8 start. Not only that, but when the three wasn’t falling, he went to work in the paint grabbing boards and getting blocks despite his 5 ‘7, 155lbs frame. Damato felt the responsibility to take all the shots, because his teammates were relying on him to make them. As self proclaimed team captain, he called the shots on offense and was a commanding voice on defense. Damato’s team faced adversity. Ultimately, Damato blamed their poor play for the blowout loss, rating his teammates poorly.

“Ethan sucks, he probably got a four [out of ten], and JD got a zero out of ten,” Damato said.

Damato continued to show his championship spirit, recovering from the first game and coming back with four threes and five rebounds in his second outing. Going forward, he looks to improve his play and be the difference maker that his team needs.

“I’m gonna get back in the lab, you know, improving my play with more games coming up.”

While Damato brought energy to the morning gym classes, Freshman Nate Randles energized the afternoon classes. Randles was an exceptional participant. He showed unmatched confidence throughout his class. We asked him if he performed well during class.

“Is that even a question?” Randles said.

Randles not only brought confidence into his class, but he also brought enthusiasm. When asked what he thought of his class, he rated it a 10.5/10. Gym has also given him the opportunity to meet new people.

“I’ve made some great friends this year [in gym class].” Randles said.

For those who select who show effort during gym they earn the respect of their peers. No matter how skilled you are or not, it is always possible to show effort and try your best. In gym class, you get what you give. Those who give the maximum? They get the greatest gift of all: Body odor.