The herald., 1895-02-25

The great eventSI tne week past in the
local sporting world was, OF course, the
intercollegiate field day. 1t was great
event. viewed from any standpoint, and
it demonstrated clearly that college field
days are to be regular things in Southern
California. The patronage was generous
indeed, and the enthusiasm was boisterous
enough to suit even college boys.
The events as whole could not have
been disappointing to anyone present 1t
is seldom that the programme OF sports
is caused out so successfully and un-
interuuptedly as this days programme
was. and seldom that so many of the CON
tests are made so even. For young or
camzation the intercollegiate Association
haslsucceeded in doing a wonderful thing,
and has carried the sport-loving people Of
California to build high hopes foT the fu-
ture.
But there was cause for criticism: new
ertheless the day was so near perfect
success, and the college boys are not in
clined to take the just criticism alnIss. In
the first place there should have been no
cause for doubt. even about the measure
ments of distances in the running races,
or in the high Jumps or the pole vaults.
1t transpires, however, that the distance
in the supposed fifty-yard dash was
eighteen feet Short, and the jumpers and
pole vaulters never knew how high they
were going while they were jumping and
vaulting
But these things did not materially mar
the sport for the spectators, and were
really of no great moment. The bicyclists
and the contestants in the mile walk did
mar their part OF the sport to some eX-
tent. The snail's pace set by the riders
in both the bicycle races was just little
disgraceful; the riders were capable of
better work and seemed to have entered
into an agreement to spoil the events.
They put vim into the finishes, however,
and redeemed the bicycle. races thereby
The mile walk was considered by the
majority of the spectators little eEse than
n mile go-as-you- please for two of the
contestants could hardly have been called
walkers. The knee should not be bent
when the heel is down at each step taken,
else the Judge is not able to decide
whether the man is walking or really run
ming.
= = y
Another big field day is promised for
the near future. The Intercollegiate AS
sociation has challenged the Los Angeles
Athletic Club to a. field day contest. The
challenge has not yet been accepted Off
cially, but it is said the delay has been
caused because it was thought that the
Turner's and the y. NJ. c. A. athletic
team may be induced to enter the contest
and make it four-cornered one.
In the event of such an outcome of the
plan it would be the biggest day of field
sports Southern California has ever known.
Already the boys arebeginning to speculate
upon the result of such a meet. Availa-
BILE men for each event are being discov
cred and compared with the men who
would enter the event from the other
teams. OF course the Athletic Club mem
bers believe their athletes would have a
walk way. Just as firmly the college boys
believe they would be able to come out
best.
There was a surplus left over when the
receipts and expenditures OF the intercOl-
legiate were balanced, and it has been de-
cided to divide this among the four col
leges and that each snail devote it TO train
ing expenses for the events of the season
yet to come. The effect OF systematic and
thorough training and instruction upon
the college material will tell with wonder
full effect when the boys enter their next
field day contests
The Turner's have among their members
some very excellent athletes. They are in
constant training and are skillful and
fearless on the field. The y. NJ. C. A.
athletes have the advantage of careful
handling also and may be able to sur
should the great day ever come.
The Athletic Club directors met on
Thursday night last and considered the
challenge but referred the matter to
committee, in whose hands it now is.