East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-06-06

Stripes Are Sure TO Win Many
Times-Team VIII BE Stronger in
Distance Runs Than Ever and the
Sprints VIII be Ours for the Asking
Americas chance of victory in the
Olympic international athletic cham
pionships at London this summer
looks like a cinch of the lead pipe
variety. On the eve of the selection
of the men who will defend Uncle
Sans track and field honors at the
British capital, it is evident that the
Olympic committee will find II
comparatively easy matter to select
athletes who will compare more than
favorably with the best that Europe
and Australia can produce. While
the score may be somewhat lower
than it was in 1906 at Athens, owing
to changed conditions, it is almost
certain that the Stars and stripes will
wave VIGOROUSLY many times in the
British stadium at the Franco British
exhibition.
Two years ago England, Australia
and Sweden were Americas greatest
rivals. Such will be the case this
year. Where in 1906 the British ath-
letes had a long journey to make
and also to combat climatic condi-
tions, they will be at home this year,
with every thing in their favor. Lon
don will suit the Swedes better than
Athens. On the other hand, once
again the Americans are forced to
make a long journey and then face
adverse climatic conditions, for 1t has
been proved in the past that our run
ners are always at a disadvantage
when competing in England. Some of
the best men in the United States may
not be able to make the trip because
of their business. But despite these
obstacles America should win if past
records count for any thing.
Short on Long Runners
At all previous meetings where
our runners have met the crack
Britons in the quarter, half and mile
runs Americas chances have been
long ones at the best, but there may
be another story this summer, when
the cream of the worlds athletes gath
er in London.
The greatest quarter miller in this
country today is John B. Taylor, the
negro runner of the University OF
Pennsylvania. If he is in condition
the man who beats him at this dis
tance will have to set up new mark.
Coming to the half mile run AM
erica's chances of success seem espe-
cially good, with Melvin w. Sheppard,
Of the Irish-American Athletic club,
and Guy Haskins, of Pennsylvania. to
carry her colors. At Jamestown last
summer Sheppard did 1855 1-5.
The 1900 metre race corresponding
to our mile) has always been Eng
lands strong point But to uphold
America there is Lightbody of Chi
cago, the two-time winner of this
championship, besides a host of 9th,
ers. Guy Haskins ran IN 1920 So at
and is the fastest college man in this
country, If not in the world. Lloyd
won for oxford last year in 4.2S.
Five Mile Run.
The next distance run on the Olym-
pic program after the mile is the five
mile. For that race we have such
men as Fred Bellars of the New York
Athletic club; George Bonhag, of tn,
Irish-Amerlcan Athletic club, and
some great cross-country men from
Cornell and various athletic clubs.
It is a pretty safe bet that Ameri-
ca will win both the sprints, as she
has n j. Cartnall of Pennsylvania.
intercollegiate championship for two
years; Huff of Chicago, winner at
Jamestown; Dan Kelly, holder of the
California; Archie Hahn, winner of
worlds record; Charles Parms, of
the 1OO-metre race at st. Louis and
Athens; Seitz, of the New York Ath-
letic club, and scores of others.
Every one of these men has run the
100-yard dash in even time. 1t is sell
uOH lldJ d DTllOu uOeS DeLleT IildIl
O:1O 2-5 and O:22 2-5 for the 22o-
yard dash.
For the 110-metre hurdle race AM
erica has among others Johnny Gar
rels Of Michigan; Shaw, Of Dart
mouth; Hubbard Of Amherst; Forrest
smithson of Oregon, and Harry Hill
man Of the New York Athletic club.
Ewry viii Jump Some.
Ray Ewry will be depended upon
to win the standing broad and the
standing high jumps as in the past.
He is without peer in these events.
The standing broad jump was taken
off the intercollegiate program in
1880 and the standing high jump the
following year. Neither is in favor
among the college athletes and Ew-
ry's understudy will probably come
from an athletic club.
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