By Charles Henry Healthy Hawk reporters | Group activities are a great way to get exercise, but they can also form long-lasting friendships. Take Mr. Jason Munter, Henry physical education teacher. Mr. Munter still plays ice hockey with the same group of friends he’s had for more than 20 years.
“Group activities can keep your body healthy and strong,” he said in an interview with Healthy Hawk reporters. “It also allows you to connect with different people. It taught me important lessons like effort, working hard, and teamwork.”
Having social connections and a sense of belonging can help you manage stress, says an article about social connections on the Mayo Clinic website.
Group exercise also improves quality of life and reduces stress far more than individual workouts, according to ScienceDaily, a website of research information.
Mr. Munter told fourth-grade reporters from Dr. Chattin’s class that he’s been involved in sports since he was 5 years old. He now plays on an ice hockey team once a week. He also played baseball, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and basketball.
At Henry, Mr. Munter coaches volleyball and track. He is also a coach for his children’s sports, which include ice hockey, soccer, and baseball.
Some of his athletic achievements include being in the Hall of Fame in Delaware County for ice hockey. He attributes his love of ice hockey to his father. “My dad played ice hockey and got me into it when I was 5 years old. I’ve been playing ice hockey ever since,” he said.
Mr. Munter loves playing ice hockey because it keeps his body moving and healthy. Now it’s also a chance to play with his friends.
“Group activities can keep your body healthy and strong. It also allows you to connect with different people,” he said. “It taught me important lessons like effort, working hard, and teamwork.”
Mr. Munter suggests that people get involved in a group activity. Being part of group activities taught him a lot as a kid. “It taught me to put in effort, listen to my coaches, follow the rules, and be part of a team,” he said. He also said it helped him to stay healthy, happy, and strong.
If kids are trying to get involved in a group activity, Mr. Munter suggests that you don’t give up because it’s a little bit like trial and error. He said you should be open to trying new activities. If you don’t like it, try something else until you find something you enjoy.
“My job is to expose you all to different sports in school,” said Mr. Munter. “Then if you like it, you can find different clubs around the area to join and continue with that sport.”
Illustration by Lucia, 4th grade, Henry, 2025-26.
