The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-07-29
ATHLETICS, PART OF THE COURSE

Ing the freshman and sophomore years.
 They may choose any branch or atnlet-
 fcs. including football. track athietics.
 rowing. fencing, boxing. gynlnastics,
 etc. At the University of Chicago the
 requirements are essentially the same
 as at Cornell.
 The new course of studies recently
 adopted by Columbia college includes
 two courses in physical education
 which are required of all students be-
 fore graduation, and bear credit. stu
 dents may elect one-half of this work
 in one or more branches of athletics;
 the other half must be taken In the
 regular gymnastic classes. the tram
 ing in gymnastics and athletics ik
 supplemented by a course of lectures
 on the essentials of personal hygiene. Every student Is also required tu pass an examination in swimming.
 There is undoubtedly a tendency toe
 ward increased recognition of physical
 training as a legitimate part ofTedu-
 cation. This tendency is apparent. not only in institutions of higher learning. but also in the elementary and secon- dary schools The greatest obstacle to the Legitimate development of ath- letics in schools and colleges IS the spirit of commerciaiism fostered by the popular demand for the spectacular side of athletic contests. The enormous n- naneial returns from athletic exhibi- tions between teams representing the large colleges complicate the question of their administration. The whoic question is one of emphasis. In pro portion as the educational and hygienie interests are emphasized and the spoc- tacular interests repressed the benefits resulting from athletics will increase. but when the spectacular side is em- phasized the raore important interests Are bound to suffer.
 Tn this connection 1t is interesting to note the innovation introduced In the new collegiate department of Clark l University. No contest or exhibitions of any sort are permitted between the teams of Clark University and teams representing other institutions. A gym nasium. athletic field. and director of | physical education are provided, and contests are allowed between teams within the university. but no intercoi- llegiate contests. Thus far. the experi- ment has given very good results. and promises ar efficient remedy for most of the evils attendant upon spectacu- | lar athletics
 | Another interesting experiment in | this direction Is the abolition by the University of Chicago of gate receipts at athletic contests. It is too early to judge of the effect of this radical step. i Those who claim that most of the un-
 desirable features In college athletics result from the gate money will have a good opportunity to test their opip- ions, and there Is no doubt that some good will result.
 I I believe that the best results will be gained from the creation of saner attitude toward athletics on the part of students, ofiicers. and alumni in col leges and universities. We must re- | place the spirit of Twin by any means and at any cost" by the spirit of sport i for sports sake" In this respect we have much to learn from our English cousins; they succeed in getting all the
 educative. hygienio. and reeraative ef- I fleets of athletic practice without the | evils so eommon ln t,sls country. Every 1 college and university should have q committee from the Faculty 10 super wise the athletic interests of the insti- l tuition.