The San Francisco call., 1896-06-12
At THE PERIL
Of THEIR LIVES,
Seven Amateur Swimmers
to Circle About Seal
Rocks.
LADS IN THEIR TEENS.
Will Battle Against Treacherous
Currents, Undertows and
Breakers.
SIMPLY FOR FAME AND GLORY.
All of the Ambitious Youngsters Hold
Records as Swimmers and
Divers.
SIMPLY FOR FAME AND GLORY.

Seven intrepid members of the Califor-
mia Swimming Club who are now in train
ing at the Lurline baths will, on Sunday
afternoon, June q, risk their lives for
glory and for fame by undertaking to
swim from the olympic Clubs pier on the
Ocean Beach to the Seal Rocks around
the latter and back to the starting point,
total distance of about one and quarter
miles.
The course as laid out is over one of the
most dangerous and treacherous courses
in the vicinity of San Francisco, abound
ing in swift currents, terrific undertows,
hidden rocks and powerful breakers.
Strong sailors have succumbed to one or
the other of.these in endeavoring to reach
shore from wrecked vessel at point on
the beach near by, and not near so beset
with dangers. Yet among the seven lads
but two are ont of their teens. The team
includes w. F. Huntington, R. B. Cornell,
A. Cobblyn, A. E. Cooper, Louis Hass-
hagen, J. Geddes and Otto Schultz.
Huntington is the manager of the club,
and is considered one of the most power
full amateur swimmers in the country.
Cornell is but 10 years of age. He is the
young man who, on Sunday last, while
impersonating lady supposed to bear the
name of Miss Isadore Foote, made 20
foot dive at the Sutro baths. He is the
captain of the club, and is the proud owner
of three medals won in swimming con-
tests, ranging in distance from 220 yards
to half mile.
Cobblyn is also 10 years, and bears the
proud distinction of having the record for
amateur high diving. The feat that earned
this was a leap of 70 feet. He also has a
fine record as a fancy diver, and is an ex-
pert in long-distance swimming.
Cooper, 20 years of age, has 70-foot
dive to his credit and has made mark in
long-distance swims by his wonderful en-
durance.
Hasshagen is the youngest of the group,
being hut IL years of age, and holds an ex-
ceptionally tine record for his age as a
! long-distance deep-sea swimmer and high
and fancy diver. In his record is 65-foot
dive which nearly cost him his life, about
| year ago. But, undeterred by this mis-
! hap, he expects this season to undertake a
| 70-foot dive. He holds the coast cham pion-
| ship for several short distances and Is the
owner of many costly trophies won in
swimming matches, consisting most OF
| GOLD and silver medals. During the San ia
| Cruz water carnival he is booked for an
| exhibition of his skill as swimmer on
| June IL and Is.
Geddes for some time past has been con-
| sidered one of the finest long-distance
swimmers on the coast, and is SAID to be
uneaualed as a fancy diver from the
trapeZe.
Schulte's past record is also believed to
! Justify his taking part in this hazardous
| feat, and he feels confident that he will be
able to cover the course and add another
record to his past performances.
All the participants will be dressed in
! the clubs costume, carrying, however, as
| little weight as decency will permit.
| The only thing that will prevent the
| feat being undertaken will be stormy
weather.
| Expert swimmers who realize the dan
| gers and chances that are involved in this
programme say that the attempt yergeS
on suicidal folly.