By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Physical education classes at Union City Middle School are more than just a “ball.”
New-found excitement and enthusiasm has accompanied the purchase of additional PE activity equipment this year for fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, according UCMS teachers Chris Palmer and Nelson Youngblood.
Highlighting the list of PE department additions are two “9 Square in the Air” games – a favorite of all middle school students, the two teachers insisted.
“More of them get to be involved at the same time with ‘9 Square’ game,” said Palmer, who instructs classes for sixth- and seventh-graders, as well as a period for eighth-grade CDC students. “It’s something different than just the usual PE activities.”
Youngblood — who teaches fifth- and eighth-graders — added: “The kids have jumped all over the ‘9 Square in the Air.'”
The game “9 Square in the Air” is a group game that combines volleyball with “9 Square on the Ground.” Each player must defend their square, and they only get one hit to get the ball out of their square and into another square.
The “court” is made up of nine squares using sports-grade PVC with adjustable legs and metal connectors.
Growing enrollment in the PE classes at Union City Middle School necessitated the purchase of additional equipment, totaling over $4,000, Palmer said.
Daily PE classes are taught at Dan Boykin Gymnasium on the UCMS campus, with others held in the multi-purpose building behind the Union City High School fieldhouse.
Along with the aforementioned “9 Square” set-ups — purchased by an anonymous donor — money set aside in the UC Schools budget also provided for the addition of Spike Ball, Nitro Ball, new birdies and jump ropes, among other things.
New for the CDC class are parachutes, stacking buckets, large bowling pins and footballs, along with big birdies.
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