West High School - Hesperian Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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Carleton Burrier, Coach Ben Paris, Mgr. R. Capron C. Webster N. Bright C. Lauritzen P. Ash C. Coppage F. Langdon P. Lewis, Capt. C. Pollock E. Tumy J. Mattern R Stair St. M. Clark

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Nineteen

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Physical Kducation T DI CATIOX in its true sense means the normal development of the whole individual, the physical, mental, moral and spiritual. This needs no argument to convince any person who knows what a symmetrical training means to the individual, the home, and the state. Physical education is of primary importance. It is a sad comment on our modern educational methods that so many pupils are striving for mental growth when the body is weak and puny. The moral and spiritual natures attain greatest heights when the body is strong and vigorous. 'l'he public schools are doing by far the largest part in preparing boys and girls for their life’s work. The state wants the finished product. Our schools should keep pace with the demands made upon them by the state. It is unfortunate that school athletics should meet with the disapproval of so large a number of patrons. It is unfortunate, also, that so small a percent of our student body get any real benefit from athletics through active participation. These conditions can be attributed to a poorly organized system and lack of proper facilities. In every school there should be adequate playgrounds equipped for all legitimate outdoor games, such as baseball, football, track work, etc., for such have a place in our educational scheme. There should he a gymnasium in every school so that systematic courses of physical training could be offered to the students. A trained director should he provided: an all-around man; a man who knows educational values; who can assign each phase of athletics its true place in the normal development of the individual. All pupils should be required to take some part in the prescribed course; that part which is best suited to his or her needs and tastes. It is imperative upon the school authorities to take an advanced step in the department of athletics to the end that better equipment he furnished. It behooves educators to take an advanced stand in the matter of organizing athletics to the end that all pupils may get benefit from it. Such a course of action is rational, essential to the full development of our pupils, and furthermore, would popularize this important branch of education. All objections would be eradicated as they now exist. Is this not what West High School wants? Let us be alert as to our own interests and push hard toward that end. Cari.kton Birrif.r. 71venty-one