Physical education classes offer students the opportunity to develop new skills
Photo by Rhianna Barrow.
For students looking to break out from their normal academics, several one-credit hour classes are offered each semester. Among them are a collection of classes offered by the physical education program out of the School of Education.
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Eric Eledge oversees the Beginner Bowling class offered each semester. Eledge encourages students to think critically about bowling techniques while cultivating a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. Students engage in tournaments against their peers and put lessons into practice while having fun.
Eledge said he finds it amusing to join his students in games and enjoys seeing them grow in the sport.
“I set up tournaments for fun and usually offer a gift card as a prize,” said Eledge. “There are different scoring methods, but I use a handicap [a percentage of the difference between your average and a basis average] based on students’ averages. It is a class for anyone and requires little to no experience.”
Senior psychology major Sarah Milliron said she loves the low-stress environment and looks forward to going to the bowling alley for class to take a break from her schedule. She enrolled after hearing positive feedback about the class from her peers.
“I had a few friends who took the class in the past, and they had a blast. So, I figured, why not?” said Milliron. “I have been surprised by how quickly my classmates and I have improved by just bowling consistently.”
Men’s and Women’s Tennis Graduate assistant coach Jake Okines noted tennis can be difficult to learn due to the amount of technique and skill required. However, he sets up his course to fit any skill level, hoping to make the sport as easy as possible to learn.
“The reason why I love coaching is being able to help and see an individual from where they started at the beginning of the semester and then to see the improvement by the end of the semester,” said Okines. “It is crazy to see how in one semester students are able to pick up the sport so quickly and not be frustrated when they go to hit with friends in the future.”
Junior TESOL major Claire Stevens said she added tennis to her schedule for fun. Stevens has enjoyed the opportunity to be active and break the rhythm of exams.
“I always leave class feeling energized and like I spent my time well,” said Stevens. “Taking a one-credit class for fun can liven up your semester. Tennis is low pressure, and you’re learning a new skill.”
Students can add these classes to their fall schedule during Advanced Class Selection.
