Everyone at Pomona College has to take a PE class at one point or another. While popular choices among the unathletic and/or unmotivated often include ping pong, bowling, and perhaps fly fishing, some adventurous students choose to get a little more physical. Case in point: PE05, Beginning Tennis with Coach "Machine Gun."

This is not your average PE Class. Students from all walks of life and tennis backgrounds have entered this surprisingly intense and competitive extracurricular activity. Meeting at 11 am Mondays and Wednesdays, these students have raised the bar for physical education classes across campus, and redefined what most people think of as somewhat "Special Athletics." One Harvey Mudd student, upon being asked what his major was, responded, "Chemistry… but this is my hardest class." Truly this section is something special.

While the coach, known to students as "Machine Gun," must be given credit for propelling the class to such a high level of intensity, it is clear that the students themselves contribute to the fiercely competitive atmosphere of this "entry-level class." One girl has even been cited as taunting her own teammate after a lost point by screaming, "speed up, Grandma!" This type of harassment, uncommon in most leisure activities, is always fair game with this group of individuals.

Students from all five colleges are represented in Machine Gun’s class. From Harvey Mudders who wear jeans to practice, to the always fashion-conscious Scripps girls, to the plain-Jane Pomona regulars, the dynamics of this crew lend to the surreal aspect of the morning gathering. Spencer Wilson ’01, said to one of the Scripps girls, "You look like you are going to a club," when she showed up for practice one morning in well-fitting black pants.

Yet Coach Machine Gun concedes that, "This class is actually quite good. They all have hand-eye coordination, and can make contact with the ball sometimes. That makes the game more fun."

The students seem to agree. Despite many forces working against these students, i.e. inexperience, lack of athletic ability, etc., everyone is able to have a good time, and experience the satisfaction of making contact with the ball.

Kirsten Thompson SC ’02 admits, "I really feel good when I hit the ball. Especially when it goes over the net and lands inside the lines." She has however, noticed that the "feminine" way in which she runs has forced Machine Gun to tell her, "Ballet dancers are on the second floor of the Rains Center, not here, Bambi."

"Bambi" is not the only stage name assigned in this class. For instance, Bambi prefers to be called "Wings," since her balls always seem to fly over the fence, like a bird. Often seen by Wings’ side is fellow Scripps student Paige Shoemaker SC ’01, who likes to be known as "Flash." The two even have matching headbands bearing their nicknames that they are planning to wear for the final tournament. Then there is "The Natural," Wilson, who seems to have an innate tennis ability, or else has lied about his experience to attract women. To women, natural tennis ability is like taking a puppy to a park; they swoon.

This sort of enthusiasm is what makes the class so special. Additionally, Machine Gun has suggested that the final tournament include a cash prize, a suggestion that has garnered mixed feelings from the eclectic crew. On the court last week, many of them appeared as if they have not quite homed in on their full abilities as athletes.

As the final weeks of the semester approach, many questions remain. Who knows what will happen in the final few weeks of PE05: Beginning Tennis? Who will rise to the top? Will there be a cash jackpot? Is Wilson really a beginner?

No matter the outcome, it remains that no one who walked into PE05, Beginning Tennis, at the start of the semester will leave unchanged. As Wilson once put it, "Beginning Tennis has given me a new direction in life, offering an alternative to drinking and drug use."

For those of us who still have that PE requirement looming over our heads, or maybe you’re just hoping to pad your schedule with a few extra cumulative credits, let this class be an inspiration to you as you plan your schedule for next year.