Squash

For those who will understand what this means- squash is the precise opposite of fencing.

You will start playing pretty much on day 1, and with Bid (whom we had for the first half or so of the semester) you will do little else than play, which is great, though your play will be limited by less actual instruction. Ken does more actual training, but still you mostly play games, which is fun.

The drills, when they do take place, are okay, but you often won't do enough of them to really impact your play. So this is much more about having fun than improving your game.

You will always get a great workout. You're running and hitting balls hard for the full 50 minutes.

Bid is so relaxed about absences, he will very often count you as present when you're not there. Don't expect this with Ken though.

All in all, highly recommended, especially as a complement to fencing (very cool and lots of fun, but you hardly move for most of the semester and don't actually bout much).

Workload:

Show up, don't accumulate more than six registered absences, like every PE class.

Ilene was really chill. Her class was pretty relaxed, and while technically you can't miss more than four sessions, she was very flexible and just wanted to see us all pass (and enjoy the game). There wasn't a great deal of actual instruction, since most of the time she would just let us pair up and play by ourselves for 50 minutes with little or no supervision, but she was always happy to answer our questions. She told us that she's actually a tennis player, not a squash player, so maybe that had something to do with it being a relatively hands-off class. Also, she took the class out for pizza at the end of the semester. All in all, a good PE experience. You get out of it exactly what you feel like putting into it.

Workload:

Nothing except showing up and participating.

Ken is awesome! I'm not a fan of the p.e. requirement here, and really only took squash because it was the only p.e. class that fit. Surprisingly, i'm coming out of this class happily. His unflagging energy and enthusiasm about the game is imparted onto us squash players to be. Furthermore, he is willing to patiently work with anyone who wants to improve their skills. I'd definitely take this class again.

Workload:

Attendance - 6 skips allowed. Additional cuts can be made up by attending the other squash class (there's MW and TR, usually at the same time).

This guy is great! He clearly enjoys teaching, and he really knows the game. He can take any skill level and improve on it, and he'll really make you enjoy coming to class. Squash with Ken Torrey is a fantastic way to fulfil the phys ed requirement, and also a great way to get a work out and learn the game of squash.

Workload:

Can't miss more than six classes.

Professor Torrey is the absolute best! You'll learn all about squash and get to play a lot too! Professor Torrey is really funny and tries to connect with his students. The best is when he plays the air guitar on his squash racket!! If he really likes your class, you can get him to sing at the same time.

Workload:

If you have more than 6 absences, you can still pass - just go to make up classes. Professor Torrey isn't looking to fail anyone.

You actually learn alot in this gym class. Squash, I think, is harder than raquetball or tennis because the ball is so deflated. Thus, you must hit it very very hard to get it to go anywhere. You get an excellent, concise, workout in 50 minutes. You'll sweat like a pig so remember to wear deoderant and short shorts. KT is an excellent squash player, and even if you are an accomplished tennis player, it isn't likely you will beat him. Funniest thing = He sticks his butt out when he plays.

Workload:

miss no more than 6 classes. You will learn squash so you can be a yuppy!

He looks like the prototypical gym teacher, what with his short shorts and athletic build, but this man does his job excellently and kindly. Torrey explained the principles behind squash in a fun and interesting way. He left much time to play in the ladder tournaments. I liked it very much. Squash raquets and balls are supplied.

Workload:

Class participation is the only requirement.

It's hard to find a better Phys Ed teacher than Torrey. Everybody loves this guy. He's funny, he's smart, and he gets along with all his students. The class is fun, and you get to play most of the time.

Workload:

There is a 6-absence maximum, but it seemed to me like several people missed more and still passed. As Torrey said once: "All absences are negotiable."