Physical education has a problem. The class meant to promote proper fitness and exercise amongst students is often disregarded and skipped. This is especially for student athletes, whose training both in and out of school often tires them out to the point where even gym classes feel exhausting, and sometimes even pointless. This begs the question: Should physical education be optional for in-season student athletes?

Other schools in the Westchester area, including Edgemont, have an “athletic option,” meaning gym can become optional for student athletes. However, is this were to be implemented in WPHS, one could argue that gym would become a drag for all students, as classes would be significantly smaller and have fewer “athletic” students.

Coach Galligani, who in fact “had the option” of removing gym from his high school schedule in favor of his athletics, reiterated this by saying, “It would really take the enjoyment out of taking the class for others… having school athletes in the class [creates motivation for others]…otherwise it would be a really flat class.”

Although the loss of enjoyment is an understandable concern for anyone in the P.E. Department, one could argue about the potential risk of injury. Playing football or basketball for a half hour while already fighting a sore shoulder or hamstring could create the risk of a preventable injury.

However, Galligani opposed this: “I’ve seen it happen before, which is super unfortunate… [but] there are so many other ways you could get hurt, [like] slipping on an icy day…the chances are extremely low.”

An advantage that WPHS has on other districts as well is the variety of physical education options. “That’s on you… if soreness (is a problem for you), why not take advantage of a yoga class or a less intense class,” Galligani said.

On top of this, even a class such as strength training can allow an athlete of any level to refine their abilities in their sport. It’s on the athlete themselves to take advantage of their options, rather than complain about an issue that could be easily resolved. At the end of the day, gym is meant to be fun, so instead of whining, how about we enjoy the friendly competition?