Many extraordinary athletes go unrecognized in our school’s physical education (PE) class. Today, it’s important to appreciate all the work that goes on in the gym. From bell to bell, students compete in volleyball tournaments and only one team is crowned champion at the end of each period. Sophomore Adam Slater expects nothing less from his team.
“Pure dominance. We have assembled a great team. We haven’t lost a game since we started two weeks ago,” sophomore Adam Slater said.
Slater’s teammate, Thomas Tranfa, is another leader of their esteemed volleyball squad. As one of the team’s core players, Tranfa hopes to help hold his team together when times get tough.
“We definitely don’t want to lose our composure. Composure is really the key in these volleyball games. If there are a couple rough serves, flush them out immediately. Make sure to reassure your teammates that the game is not over until it is over. I do believe that if you are not winning you’re losing,” sophomore Thomas Tranfa said.
One of the core pillars of gym class is the weightlifting unit, when students are given the opportunity to exercise in our school’s newly renovated gym. Some think this is a great opportunity to get stronger and it may be their only option for a gym. Others argue that it is boring, hot and smelly. This is a personal favorite of senior Jack Hartman who claims to be the strongest in his class.
“I would say I am a risk taker because I am ferocious,” Hartman said.
Gym class is not only an opportunity for students to get some exercise in, but it is also a place where students get to interact and great friendships are formed.
“The environment is great, honestly. Great teachers, great activities, there is always something with a team. You can really make connections just like that. It is my favorite thing about it [gym class],” Tranfa said.
While camaraderie and friendships are an important part of gym, some students are only there for the competition. Slater proved to be a fierce competitor throughout the intense game.
“I want all the gym teachers to know that I am the best athlete in the gym and once they know that they will remember me forever,” Slater said.
Their team went undefeated but not without some challenges to overcome. Cheating rumors were echoing throughout the gym and poor communication plagued the team.
“My teammates could definitely be communicating more but if I have to be the leader, I will be the leader,” Slater said.
Both players are at an interesting point in their careers. Gym class has been a staple of the school and both agree it is one of the best parts of their high school career. They are taking different directions in the future.
“I think I am going to take PE all four years of high school. I will probably major in physical education in college and then maybe I will be a PE teacher when I grow up,” Tranfa said.
All good things must come to and that is exactly the case for the veteran Slater.
“I feel like I have to hang it up but it will always be a part of me. First of all I want to thank Mr. Avila for my freshman year. I also want to thank Ms. Shreeve for a quarter and then Ms. Ryan for this quarter. I am going to miss it, so go Pats and I love PE,” Slater said.
For those specific people who strive to show effort during gym class, it is a very rewarding experience. Gym class produces a welcoming environment where everyone can have a good time. Although some may have more success than others, those students who push themselves in class exemplify exactly what makes gym so special.
