The Stuyvesant football team, the Peglegs, and cheerleading squad had a treat on Wednesday, September 25: Eric Coleman a safety for the New York Jets, a professional football team, spoke to the students about nutrition and health during third and four periods in the library.
Coleman, school food program representatives and the Department of Education chef, Jorge, discussed the importance of a proper diet.
Coleman explained appropriate nutrition by talking about his daily food consumption. “He eats fruit and yogurt before his games because it is not dense,” junior and cheerleading squad member Christine Chung said although he said his favorite food is “his mother’s spaghetti and meatballs.”
Coleman’s priority was to promote the school’s food program since New York students do not take full advantage of the free breakfast and cheap lunch available. “Other states have a higher percentage of kids eating school lunch,” said senior and Pegleg, Patrick McNally.
Following the presentation was a question and answer session. During this time, Coleman took an oppurtunity to speak specifically about his football experience.
Those who asked questions received autographed memorabilia and although he was asked to attend the Peglegs’ homecoming game on Friday September 28, he was forced to decline because he had to play a game the same night.
Many players however, felt that the lecture on nutrition was disappointing. “It was irrelevant, he didn’t really talk about football,” said sophomore and co-captain of the junior varsity Peglegs, Ari Fima.