The San Francisco call., 1896-10-17

tested by the members in outdoor ath-
letics, the club Will give but little atten-
tion to this branch of sport until such
time as the boys will commence to train
in earnest for some event of consequence.
The following letter from George ID.
Baird, the ex-champion walker, is self
explanatory:
SAN FRANCISCO Oct IA, 1896.
Editor Morning CdIL-DEAR SIR: | have re-
ceived communication from the editor OF the
New York Clipper stating that the record for
hammer-throWing made by Thomas Carroll at
Mr.. CarrolPs performance was 153 feet. ac-
complished with 16-pound hammer in a
7-foot circle. 1t is not often that 1 take an
interest in the performances of profess ionals
but Mr.. Carroll is of the Caledonian type; and
he has so far impressed me with his honesty
OF purpose that was glad to help him in his
endeavor by sending the affidavit TO the editor
of the Spirit of the Times, who turned it over
to the editor of the Clipper. The friends of
this athlete can congratulat him on being
recognized by the Eastern sporting journals
as the foremost hammer thrower OF all the
world. GEORGE D. BAIRD.
SAN Francisco, Oct l6, 1896.
Sporting Editor San Francisco Call, 6ity--DEAR
SIR: As The State athletic field day takes place
on Saturday, October II, on which occasion
the main California associations of the Young
Mems Christian Association will compete, and
knowing that the inclosed will interest your
readers. kindly ask you to insert the same in
tclpa ton / remain, yours truly,
H. L. DIETz, NJ. D., Physical Director.
Anumber OF new systems for gymnastic and
athletic con tests have recently been arranged,
one of which the most interesting has been
adopted by the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation OF North America. 1t is called the
pentathion, or fvefold athletic contest. As
all gymnastics or athletics should have for
their prime object the healthy development
and education OF the body it has become neces-
sary to work out such rules and events that
TOM fn ff1 1rth har hn rnQn
tathlon contest of the Young Mems Christian
Association is the outcome of persistent studies
of modern and ancient physical education.
1t is the object OF that system to produce the
all-rouId athlete in preference to the special
ist." ANY man who desires 10 win the laurels
of this penthalon has to excel in a number of
development and action. The contestant is
obliged TO enter the five following events: 100
yard dash, running high jump, throwing IL
pound hammer, pole vault, mile run.
The athlete who is successful in this mani
fold contest proves that he has carefully and
normally trained himself and has accom-
plisbed the object of the penthalon, namely,
the all-round healthy development and educa-
ton OF his body. You can readily see that the
first event brings into play principally the
muscles OF the leg, momentous control OF same
and the immense amount of energy and agil-
ity required for sprinting the distance in the
quickest possible time. The running high
jump brings into play the leg, back and ab-
dominal muscles particularly. The third
event, throwing the 12-pound hammer, under
these rules is different from the usual hammer
throw, as it must be thrown without a turn.
This event requires concerted action OF the
back, shoulders and arms, and is the strength
test of the penthalon
a good pole-vaulter must use good judg
ment, be skillful, and be able to bring into use
his mental and muscular activity. The chief
element OF success in the mile run is endur-
ance supported by good lungs and muscular
power. The contestant can score in each
event 100 points. Gold medals are awarded
each contestant scoring over 400 points, silver
medals to those scoring 800 and over, and
bronze medals to those scoring 200 points.
The medals are furnished by the international
athletic committee of the Young Mems Chris
tian Association of America. The first Y. NJ.
C. A State meet was held at Los Angeles, Oc-
tober, 1885, and the San Francisco team won
the trophy, which was handsome silk BAN
ner, presented by the J. j. Pfister Knitting
Company.
In these con tests each individual association
is allowed to enter team of eight men, the
three best of these cons tituting the team
record in competition for championship
honors. The following was the official score:
San Francisco 1909 points, Los Angeles 92S
points, Oakland 78S points.