Dayton, Ohio (AP) -- An Olympic gold medalist and an NFL veteran have joined those urging an Ohio school board to keep requiring all high school students to take gym class.

Dayton school officials in Dayton are considering whether to allow many high school athletes, marching band members and cheerleaders to skip physical education.

The change is possible under a 2007 Ohio law.

Former Dayton educator Lucinda Williams Adams, who won a track gold medal at the 1960 Olympics, told board members at a meeting Monday that phys. ed. teaches important lessons about health and fitness.

Fifty-five-year-old one-time NFL player James "Butch" Caldwell said he still relies on what he learned in gym.

School board president Jeffrey Mims Jr. says the comments will be taken into consideration.

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