Athletic classes shape students

Physical activities courses at Ottawa University are a breadth area requirement for a reason.

Physical education teachers want to emphasize the importance of being physically active in a time when about one-third of American adults are overweight, according to cdc.gov. Physical education instructor Annette Blecha knows what the effects OU's PAC program can have on students.

"The PAC program is important because it offers students an opportunity to develop skills so they can have a level of expertise to be life-long movers," said Blecha, a physical education teacher of over 35 years.

Ottawa offers a wide variety of physical activity programs such as weight lifting classes, karate, racquet sports, non traditional sports, yoga and dance, among others.

Some students take advantage of physical activities to keep a healthy lifestyle. Freshman Crystal Escobedo is currently taking walking for fitness, and has participated in other PACs.

"I'm taking some of these classes to stay fit and in shape," Escobedo said. "I want to monitor my heart rate and get my cardio up."

With PACs required for all students, it brings a new element to college life that some outside of athletes may not receive.

"I think athletes migrate to (PACs) more," Blecha said. "I think without requirements there would be a section of students that dont engage in physical activities."

Freshman Sam Warshawshky is currently taking yoga, for a more broad experience.

"I'm taking it because it fills a breadth area requirement," he said. "But I've always been interested yoga also."

Blecha said physical education doesn't just deal with knowledge and physical skills, but adds work with the person as a whole, carrying through to their daily lives.

The affective domain, for example, works with attitudes and behaviors through team building.

"I really do believe PAC is important here," she said. "They give students an avenue through life, and education through the physical."