Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-22
coLUMBIANs WORKING HARD.
Foot Ball Squad Practicing Diligently
Under Good Coaching.

The practice OF the Columbian foot ball
squad goes on apace and the results thus
far realized are highly gratifying to the
coaches OF the team. There were twenty
four husky lads on the field at Van Ness
Park last evening and the strenuous life
was exemplified in degree. The men were
put through the preliminary work of kick
ing and catching the ball, and later they
were tried on kick-offs. The candidates for
positions in the line were instructed on how
to get through in the most approved man
ner, and the asptrants for positions In the
back field were drilled In running with the
ball and blocking. At the close of the
evenings work the dummy" was brought
out and all the members of the squad took
turns at tackling the inanimate but elusive
figure.
The prospects for having good foot bali
team at Columbian this season are re-
garded as very favorable. There seems no
doubt that there is some good material in
the squad, and a number Of the candidates
are old players. Perhaps the most en-
couraging feature noticed in the practice
at this time. however. Is the fact that the
men work so faithfully and are apparently
entering into the true spirit OF the sport,
anxious to make GOOD in their respective
positions. There was no tagging noticed in
the practice work and the boys went after
the ball with unusual energy and endeav-
ored to follow the instruction of their
coaches in commendable manner. Faith
full work on the part Of the men is con-
Sddered one OF the most important requisites
in the makeup Of a good team and If the
boys continue in the future as they have in
the past few weeks their chances for de-
veloping into winning team are very IA
vorable.
Coaches Alexander and Kelly drilled the
linemen last evening. and Mr.. Lindsay. who
formerly played end on the old Columbia
Athletic Club eleven. instructed the candi-
dates for end positions in the fntricacies Of
the game. The backs were put through
their practice by Coach Houston.
one Of the most promising Of the new
players Is a western man by the name Of
WOOD, who Is trying for center. Coach
Alexander believes he has made an tmpor-
tant find in Wood. He is a big fellow with
wonderful strength, and while new at tile
game, he Is working faithfully to learn the
points. 1t Is believed he will develop into
a star center. Among the candidates for
line positions who have played before are
Kelly, Snead, Cowen and Heine. Warner,
who was initiated into the game in Mime
position. He is quick on his feet and has
considerable weight, and. besides, handles
himself in good style.
AIMING the old players who are trying for
places in the back field are Leech, Steven
son, Bielaski, Poe, Machler and Newton.
Leech was on the team last year, and Is
trying for quarter. Stevenson is Nebra.s-
k A:. man; and played on a good team In his
state. He Is candidate for left half al
though his old position Is at quarter. Ste
venson weighs about 1875 pounds. and is
well-built young man. From the manner In
which he handles himself and the ball It
seems that he should take turn at quar-
ter, his old position. Bielaski and Machler
were both on the Columbian team last
year. and are getting into good shape.
The prospects for a good fullback are not
very promising thus far, but 1t is believed
a good man will be developed for that i'm
portant position. Coach Houston is well
with. and states that he Is confident the
backs will be found in the running in The
games played by Columbian this year.
Coach Alexander. who Is an old Cornell
player, In speaking Of the prospects for a
good team this season, said: I'VE can't ex-
pect to develop championship team in one
year, but l have great confidence that Co.
lumbar will be represented this year III a
cred1table manner. I don't believe any Of
the teams will be walking over US when
the boys get down to playing.
I'VE are working to arouse a keen interest
in clean athletics in Washington, and the
men on the team are entering into the true
spirit Of the sport All professionalism has
been eliminated and we propose to keep It
out and develop a team under legitimate
rules similar to those In the leading cole ges 4
OF the country. l believe the people of
Washington will support the proposition,
and that healthful interest In clean college
sports can be aroused here.
Il am greatly encouraged over the faith
full manner in which the members of the
squad are appearing for practice. and also
with the energy they display in the work.
We intend to develop both team and indi-
vidual work before going into a game, and
that Is our purpose in beginning the season
somewhat later than some Of the boys
favor. The increased practice, however
which we will be able to obtain by delaying
the initial game until early in October will,
I am sure, be of great advantage to the
eleven when they do get into the game"
Mr.. Alexander left Washington late last
evening for trip north. He will return
in about two weeks, and it Is intimated he
will bring with him some Of the best play
ers In the business.
The first game in which the Columbian
team will engage will be that with the
Maryland Agricultural College October on
the local field. A partial schedule of the
earlier games is as follows: Western Mary
land College, October II. at Washington;
Maryland Agricultural College (second
game), October 81, at M. A. c. field; Fitch
mond College. November 7, at Richmond;
Randolph-Macon College. November 6, at
Ashland, Va. 1t is thought that a game will
also be arranged between Columbian and
Georgetown.
COMING WRESTLING TOURNEY.