The Washington times., 1903-03-17
RENEWED ACTIVITY IN
FIELD AND TRACK SPORTS
Henry E. Wilkens Offers a
Timely Suggestion.
ALL ATHLETES TO REGISTER
Thus Becoming Members of the A. A.
u, and Accordingly Eligible for
Entrance in Any Event.


athletics is apparent at present in the
District. Field and track sports are
more in favor than for some time past.
1t is noteworthy TO observe the many
new athletic clubs which are being or
gained for the purpose OF developing
Drawn and muscle.
Georgetown College and the Y. NJ. c. A.
have done much to elevate athletics.
while athletic clubs have either re-
NAMED inactive during past years or
gone out OF existence entirely. This con-
1:tion seems rather inexplicable mas
much as field and track athletics have
been carefully fostered and promoted in
cur neighboring city, Baltimore 1t is
therefore gratifying to see Washington
striving to again take the lead, as it
once did in the days OF the old Column
bia Athletic Club. Although this latter
organization is still in existence. it de-
votes itself principally TO social affairs
and has abandoned athletics entirely.
excepting so far as sentiment goes
For the guidance OF the younger ele-
ment The Times has interested itself in
obtaining the necessary information TO
place the new athletic clubs in good
standing with the balance OF the athletic
world.
Mr.. Wilkens Advises
In this connection a representative OF
The Times called upon Henry E. Will
kens. located in the Builders Exchange
Building. formerly of Baltimore but now
resident OF washington. who was in
strGmental in securing a new territory
from the Amateur Athletic Union. which
will practically be governed by Wash
ington and Baltimore officials. ms cad OF
being dominated over by Philadelphia
The District of Columbia is now in the
South Atlantic Association OF the ANA
teur Athletic Union.
Mr.. WilkeDs stated that every athletic
club which expects TO enter athletes
In games held under the sanction OF the
Amateur Athletic Union must be a mem
Der OF the South Atlantic Association.
otherwise they would not be eligible to
compete. IN addition, each athlete must
be registered. which costs but % cents
per.yesr. Athletes who desire to enter
games may be registered withous belong
Ing TO any particular club ana can par
ticipate In the competition as "unat-
tached.' but no athlete can represent
club who is not a member Of the Anna
teur Athletic Union. or its allied branch
es
Mr.. Wilkens further stated that IN
the absence of delegate from on ath-
letic club, he had accepted an appoint
ment on the registration committee AMI
VIII be glad to give any information II
athletic enthusiasts. He also said that
the South Atlantic Association is any
ious TO elect a representative OF some
Iuh
and Will do everything 20 assist new
'luos in bringing about the desire en-
thusiasm.
A Maryland Athlete.
Mr. Wilkens was captain OF the Mary
land Athletic Club three terms and
president OF the Middle Atlantic Assoc
ciStion. the so-called Insurgents, who
after three years OF persistent and in
defatigable efforts. succeeded in having
the old Atlantic Association divided so
that Washington and Baltimore might
govern athletics in their own district.
BY becoming members of the South
Atlantic Association. athletic clubs have
the privilege OF entering contestants in
the Y. NJ. c. A. or Georgetown games
the former being members OF the Y. NJ
c. A. Athletic Association, while the
latter belongs 10 the intercollegiate As
sociation, each being an allied branch OF
the Amateur Athletic Union.
The Amateur Athletic Union Is reeog-
nized as the controlling element OF field
and track athletics throughout the
United States, and works in harmony
with like organizations throughout the
civilized countries. 1t has for its object
the fostering and promoting OF athletic
sports and TO avoid contamination with
the undesirable or the professional eIe-
ment. II establishes rules for competi-
ton based upon many years OF expert
ence and study. A. A. L. records are
recognized throughout the world.
CLOSE FINISH I'M TuE