Jericho’s Annual PE Class Volleyball Tournament Serves Spirit

BY ETHAN RUBIN ’28 & DEVYN SIEGEL ’28

The weather is turning cold and December break is approaching, which means it is time for Jericho’s Annual PE Class Volleyball Tournament!

All the way back in the year 1996, current Health and Physical Education Teacher Mr. Brodsky started this volleyball tournament with the intent to create a long-lasting tradition at Jericho High School. This year’s 2025 Tournament will be the school’s 29th annual tournament!

During the volleyball tournament, the best of the best volleyball players from each gym class get selected to represent their entire gym classes in a high-intensity, exciting, and memorable tournament. By the time the day’s tournament is over, a gym class is crowned the year’s champion, earning them bragging rights.

Many Jericho students wonder why the tournament takes place around December break. The JerEcho spoke with Physical Education Teacher and Head Director of the Volleyball Tournament, Mrs. Pembroke, who said, “This tournament is done in the winter because [volleyball] is a winter unit. We are able to go outside in the Fall & Spring.  It was also moved to the day before break to create an annual tradition.” This tradition is one that has lasted almost 30 years and has brought joy to countless Jericho students. 

Past tournament competitor Joshua Velasquez ’26 echoes many Jericho students in his appreciation for the annual tournament. Velasquez said, “It’s fun to play with my friends in my gym group. I’m excited for break too, so the timing is good.” Velasquez described the tournament as “exhilarating” and said his favorite part of the tournament is “when we get to the finals.” 

According to Mrs. Pembroke, students aren’t the only people at Jericho who enjoy the tournament. Teachers also have historically played in the tournament, and some have even won! Mrs. Pembroke said, “Most teachers have won [the tournament] a few times at this point. After speaking with some other teachers it is believed that Mr. Klobus, a retired teacher, had a 10 year winning streak!” 

While it remains uncertain who will win the 2025 tournament, or what teacher could possibly unseat Mr. Klobus’s impressive record, rumors have been circulating that Mr. Boyle’s PE class is the team to beat this year. 

December 23 is right around the corner, and while Jericho eagerly awaits its 2025 winning team, one thing is for certain: Jericho’s Annual PE Class Volleyball Tournament is a staple for serving spirit!