Theo Vadot ‘19:
This year, the walking team is an available option for students who do not play an Inter-Ac sport and choose not to partake in the traditional fitness program. The walking team has practice on either Mondays and Wednesdays, with ACLAMO on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or the other way around.
Years ago, the walking club existed at EA’s Merion campus. When Episcopal moved to Newtown Square and had more space, the walking team was not considered a viable athletic option. However, Cheryl McLauchlan, member of the Mathematics Department and
V Form Dean, along with Anne Ravreby, MS/US school nurse, recently revived the option due to the lack of space in the fitness room.
McLauchlan believes that walking is a healthy and relaxing option. She claims, “I think walking is good for you. It’s healthy, it has no stress on your joints, and I actually think it’s a good way to relieve stress at the end of the day. Just to go for a nice walk outside– not on a treadmill, not in some place, go outside and just breathe in the fresh air.”
Every other day McLauchlan organizes her walkers during domino and leads the pack around EA’s campus. Yogi, the seeing eye dog in training, would accompany the group on their walks when she was still at Episcopal. Each walker can walk at his or her own pace, taking breaks or playing a quick game of basketball on the outdoor courts along the way.
The walking team is therapeutic and social since the walkers can socialize and share conversations, taking the time off for the day to use walking practice as an opportunity to decompress from all the stress they experience as EA students.
Myles Peter ‘19 enjoyed the laid back style of the walking team, explaining, “It was fun because you could just walk and talk and joke around for a bit and then you’re done.” Just like many other walkers, Peter is a fan of the calm style. Many members of the team joined to socialize with friends. Rayhan Ali ‘19 felt like, “It was nice to be able to just hang out with your friends, and I could fulfill my sport requirement at the same time.”
Another aspect of the walking team is its partnership with the wellness program, which allows students to participate in ACLAMO. However, the wellness program has changed so that only walkers have the option to partake in ACLAMO. Grace Smith ‘19 was disappointed with this change, explaining that, “I personally don’t think the walking team is for me and I wish that ACLAMO could be available to non-walking team members.” It has not been specified whether this change is permanent, or if the wellness option will be available for any student participating in a fitness option.
The walking team has attracted many prospective walkers for future seasons, such as Kate Beinkampen ‘19. Beinkampen states, “I’m excited for a more relaxing and social fitness option, while still fulfilling my requirement.”