The morning journal-courier., 1908-10-27
PERCY SMITH O. K.
N. II. H. $, Coach Not to Be Fired, as Stated in Even
 ing Paper.
DIR. CUSHING DENIES STORY
States He Did Not Lower Merits of Coach in Any Way---Smlth to
 Assist Ridgeiield High.

report in an evening paper of yes- terday stating that Dr. Cushing, head master of the N H. II &. clearly thought and declared Percy Smith. thc coach of the local high eleven, altogeth CT unfit and thoroughly inrompent for his work and that 1t was absolutely necessary for that individual to be busted from his office, Is a mlstatcment. and only serves to place hard work ing and praiseworthy individual in a poor light
 The story originated from the evident dissatisfaction of the dejected hlgn school players over the defeat admin istergd b! Erasmus Hall Saturday, which was the first high school de- feat the present members playing for two years on the team nave been sub- iected to By losing that contest the local players lost their chances for q claim on the New York, New Jersey. Pennsylvania and probably Washing ton, D C.. championships, for Erasmus last year conquered all teams from these victnlties, ana are duplicating the trick this season.
 A4lf btlitlt ll bluttlis q DIthN- 'lIl among the cresttallen players, which Is absurd. as almost all of the players hnve vented their opinions strongly in favor Of retaining the services of Coach Smith, who, by the way is receiving no compensation whatever for his ser- vices. They have declared themmselvcs perfectly satisfied with his methods $, and have Unl. themselves to blame for their defeat, for they claim that had it not been for smith, their team would have been little able to cope with a team like Erasmus. which has professional coach.
 The story duplicating Dr. Cushing, and having the principal dissatisfied with Smith was omphatically denied last night by the headmaster of the high school Dr Cushing stated that he had said nothing whateYer against Smith, and wished the story tn the con trarN denied, He had seen nothing in the actions of the coach that demanded the latter's elimination but on the other hand he wa Of the opinion Chat it was entirely the teams fault for their do- feat
 They did not play as good as they could" said pr Cushing "Thoy don't seem 10 exert themselves any too much in their playing lately anyway espc cially a few of them, who consider themselves stars and as sure men on lllt tltN 'llt
 Coach Smith, who explained the N H H & team while he was attending school, and who played guard for Swarthmore last year, generously of. fered his services to the team at the early part of the season lt was through his stellar coaching and daily work at the field that the local htgh eleven became a formidable foo to the other teams. Trick formations and for warl passes were shown the team, and when they performed strong against the Ridgefeld eleven, defeating them II to ,, too much commendation could not be given Smith.
 The Ridgeheld officials endeavored to induce Smith to Coach their team, for they were completely taken off their feet by the brilliant plays of tho local eleven, and without doubt Smith was responsible for their good showing His unerring work and impartial choos- ing turned out the present N IT. H ,S. team,
 The Ridgeneld officials have been car rying on negotiations with Smith right along and have finally secured his ser vices smith will leave on the noon train to-day and will coach the Ridge fell students for about two weeks In the meanwhile tho local students will endeavor to secure the aid of some of the Yale men