Miss Mason utters a quite contemporary note by including heroes in physical education. She encouraged reading about Greek games and the “heroic impulse.” She knew the value of an athletic role model, especially one who exemplified chastity, fortitude, courage, constancy, prudence, and temperance.86 Unfortunately, parents and teachers must search diligently today to find such examples, but they do exist. From Eric Liddell to Jim Ryun to Gail Devers to John Smoltz, heroic athletes may still be found to inspire our children today.
