The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-09-30
SEVEN VETERANS IN
STAGES FIRST SQUAD
Maroons Get Down to Work
Tuesday with Brilliant
Prospects.
Special to The Journal.
Chico So-t 90

Special to The Journal.
Chicago, Sept. 29.-Informal practice
ended last week at the University of
Chicago with the return Of Coach Stage
practice under the new conference rules
begins Monday at the Midway school.
to continue until the ending Of the sea-
son with the Nebraska game.
Last week was a dull one, SO far as
actual practice was concerned. Imme-
diately after his return from Lake
Chautauqua, Coach Stage closed the
gates of Marshall Field to the football
candidates and put the official taboo
On the so-ealled informal practice which
had been going on under the direction
barred from the university athletic
field, sought the vacant lots adjoining
the university and attempted to prac-
tice there. Interest Jagged and all
work was called off for the week.
Coach Stage declared that he did not
call off the practice on account of any
infringement on the conference rules.
81 don't think that we were violating
the spirit of the rules by the volunteer
practice,'.' said Coach Stage "The
rules against early practice were made
and the extra expense Of the work. AS
there was no expense attached to the
work, cannot see where there was any
harm in the gathering of the men for
While there was no real work to keep
football interest buzzing, many Of the
old stars returned to school, ready to
begin work Monday. Fred Walker, Boa
Ivison and Gerry Williamson, maroon
pared to begin work with the squad as
soon as Stage takes charge Of the work.
Walkers Return.
It was feared for long time that
Walker would not return for football
this year. His presence on the campus
last week was the cause of great Ella
ton. He is considered by many compe-
tent football judges the equal of Be-
dek, generally admitted to be the best
of last years fullbacks. Walker will
probably be used at half back this year.
as there are several promising candi-
dates for full back. Walker and Stef-
fen are considered certainties for the
halfback positions.
Gerry Williamson, who subbed for
Bezdek last year, will be out for full
back. Williamson showed great ability
as Line bP lunger last :yy' year and was
in minor games. Stage will in all prob
ability use him regularly at fullback.
The makeup of the maroon back
field is practically settled on now I'M
less some of the men from last year g
freshmen team show enough ability to
GUST the veterans from their positions.
Walter Steffen and Walker will be the
halfbacks, with Williamson at fullback
and Captain Eckersan at his old place
at quarter
Ivison, who was star on the maroon
team of 1902, is back in school. He
is in excellent shape and may be able
to win back place on the regular team.
He was one Of the best ground gamers
of the star freshmen aggregation that
entered the Midway school in the au-
tumn of 1902. With practically no
NorthWesteTa games that year n BY mag aaS
nificent runs. He may be given a
halfbaack position and steffen shifted
Steffen to Star.
.Steffen has not as yet reported for
any of the practice stunts. He has been
conditioning himself, however, by
coaching his old high school team at
North Division. He will be out Mon
day to begin work. With this great
youngster# as Eckersall's understudy
the maroons will have a substitute
quarterback better than nine-tenths of
the regular quarters of the country
There is little to chose between Stef-
fen and Eckersall as ground gamers.
There areFmany who believe the former
q triAe the better dodger in open field
work. Eckersall 8 wonderful drop kick.