Now nearing the halfway point of this first quarter, students have already begun to take their somewhat dreaded daytime dip into our gym classes’ pool unit.

Although this formality is no surprise to seniors, many juniors are now attempting to master the art of getting ready in roughly ten minutes.

“Everyone is running around to get ready for the rest of the day, and we all have a mutual understanding of the rush,” Rachael Harris said

Each student’s gym experience at NASH consists of both the swimming and boating units. And while these classes spent in the cold chlorine can be among some of the most useful lessons we learn in high school, a student’s schedule, assigned gym teacher, and allotted change time can ultimately make or break the whole experience.

“Swimming is a lifetime physical activity that everyone should know how to do,” Mrs. Kohlmann said. “The pool provides a great workout opportunity and students recognize that. The hardest but most enjoyable part of teaching this unit is helping the struggling students find their inner reptile.”

Student opinions, however, are mixed across the diving board, with juniors seeming a tad more uneasy than their senior counterparts.

“I have not yet had swimming, but I cannot imagine that it would be anything unlike any swimming I have done in the past, a bit more stressful if anything,” junior William Cherry said.

Maureen Walsh also maintained a positive view. “It’s just an enjoyable way to relieve stress and we’re lucky to have the opportunity,” the junior said.

Senior Josh Temple took a more experienced perspective. “The pool units are just one of those things that you don’t look forward to,” he said, “but once you accept that you have no choice other than to get in the pool and be wet all day, it becomes kind of fun”.

Although reactions to the pool unit at NASH run hot and cold, the Phys Ed teachers never wavered in their belief that it is a subject area of enormous importance. 

“There is nothing more enjoyable than teaching a non swimmer to swim and be comfortable in the water,” Kohlmann said.