Marcos Castrejon

Students play volleyball in the annex.

In a random survey of 81 students, 51 students said that the gym equipment at Morton East is good.

According to Google Overview AI, the first school gyms were built during the Great Depression as community hubs, and some were constructed with federal funding. The school also hosted an amateur boxing night with former world champions as referees in 1941. Interestingly, from 1983 to 1985, the Chicago Bears used the school gym as an indoor training facility, including during their Super Bowl XX-winning season.

Now, a word from students:

“I am a lifeguard in the pool. It’s an honors class; it gives me extra credit, but I also like it because it feels like family,” said senior student Francisco Suez.

Historically, there is a very strong bond among people who work together, which over time, brings them closer and closer.

“I like the swimming unit because there’s hoop, and I like hooping with my friends,” said junior student Alexander Layva. Traditionally, a good number of students don’t like swimming—some don’t like getting their hair wet or don’t want to get wet at all.

“The equipment is fairly used, but I think the school needs to do a little more for the gym. Some of the equipment is well overused,” said junior Joselyne Celis. It is well known that equipment becomes damaged and fairly worn out over time.

“When I came to school here, in the early 80s, the field house was brand new. We had what was called AstroTurf, and it was a very strong, prickly green rug,” said former Morton student and literacy teacher Anthony Asay.

“For most of our sports and fitness needs, we have quality and variety of equipment,” said gym teacher Tim Drews.