Remembering an Iconic Physical Education Program: the Sycamore School Obstacle Course

In the mid-1970s, Sycamore Elementary School was home to one of the most unique and challenging physical education programs in the region, thanks to the dedication of PE instructor Rosaline Land and her aide, Mrs. Peggy Shivers. Under their guidance, students participated in an obstacle course that became the stuff of legend—physically demanding, exciting, and unforgettable.

Building a Legacy in Physical Education

Principal Wayne Baxter once remarked that students had taken a greater interest in physical education due to the obstacle course, which featured:

• Parallel Bars
• Zig Zag Logs
• Tire Jumps
• Dirt Hills
• Railroad Tracks
• Chin-up Bars
• Cargo Net
• Overhead Ladder
• Rope Climb
• Uniladder

What made this program even more remarkable was the fact that most of the equipment was donated. Mrs. Shivers, whose daughter Sam recalls her mother’s instrumental role, personally sourced the equipment from across the state. Every single activity was carefully choreographed to provide students with a fun but rigorous workout.

The Parachute Games & Community Impact

Beyond the obstacle course, another student favorite was the large parachute, which was used for interactive games. Miss Land and Mrs. Shivers designed activities that engaged students, encouraging teamwork and coordination.

The impact of this program still resonates with former students today. Many recall the toughness of their instructors, the thrill of competing on field day, and the sheer determination it took to conquer the course.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

Students from that era continue to reminisce about the obstacle course and their PE experience at Sycamore Elementary:

• Trish Mathes: “Toughest PE teacher [Mrs. Shivers] I ever had! Scared to death of her back then but loved her dearly! That obstacle course was like no other!!”
• Shaketha Bateman: “I remember that obstacle course with Ms. Shivers and Ms. Inman… hardest thing I ever had to do lol. There were two ropes you had to climb and reach the top. I couldn’t do it to save my life and I was on the chubby side, so that didn’t make it any better lmbo! Great memories.”
• Christina Gilbert Craig: “I remember the cargo net, knotted rope, and monkey bars. I always looked forward to PE.”
• Chris NeSmith: “I remember the knotted rope/climb/cargo net that went from one side to the other over a bar. If you didn’t do it just right, it would either pinch or trap your fingers between the bar and ropes. Also remember doing ‘popcorn’ with a parachute and balls or picking the parachute up overhead and going under it and making a bubble.”
• Cristy L. Parten: “The rope climb was thick knotted ropes that we used to race climbing up and touch the thick poles it was on. We would do the rope climb during PE and also on field day. This was a big event that we all looked forward to each year. We got competitive for those field day events.”
• Bo Lanneau: “Mrs. Shivers and Mrs. Land put so much into that PE program. In retrospect, I can’t imagine the work that went into the obstacle course and curriculum. It was certainly a standout in our area.”
• Lori Braswell: “The tire course had three rows with maybe eight different sized tires in each one, buried as pictured but in sand. The goal was to run, jump, and clear them with legs spread out to either side, like leapfrog. There were some huge tractor tires that most of us resorted to just climbing over. Those were the days!”

A Lasting Impact

Decades later, the memories of Sycamore Elementary’s PE program still spark conversations and fond nostalgia. It was more than just physical education—it was a test of endurance, a source of camaraderie, and a defining part of childhood for many students.

Mrs. Shivers and Miss Land’s dedication ensured that PE at Sycamore Elementary was not just another class but an experience—one that shaped the strength and resilience of every student who stepped onto that legendary obstacle course.