The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-22
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS WILL
 BE GIVEN BIG BOOST THIS YEAR
BY EDWIN TORGERSON.

to renown in prep. athletics. With the proper backing from the student body of the school, the teams could accomplish even greater wonders in the world of sport. The present awakening In the school, it may be easily seen, will go a long way toward accomplishing the de- sired ends. The prospects for the future are indeed most encouraging.
 Football Material.
 Although many of the football stars of former seasons have for various reasons left the school some very good material is available for a crack football team. A number of the "old timers" including others, are out for the team this year, and the chances are that strong lineup will be had. The high school has pro- duced some of the best all-round athletes in our colleges, new stars being developed each year. It is very probable that men of much ability will be produced from the array of lesser lights who will try for the various teams this year.
 Much good material is at hand for baseball and basketball teams and it is expected that in this line the usual high standard will be maintained. In track and field work the boys expect to accomplish much during the season. The excellent showing at the last field meet held at the Fair grounds does much to justify all claims for superb ority in that class of sports. A track team will be organized as soon as possible, and challenges will be is sued to all preparatory schools in the south.
 Advantages for Athletics.
 The faculty of the High school and the Board of Education have long since recognized the value of athletics as a factor in school life, and much has been done to encourage all forms of clean and manly sport. To discour- age reports and charges from certain sources that the high school teams are composed of boys who attend for the sole purpose of indulging in athletics a rule has been made and Is strictly adhered to that no student shall be al- lowed to play any team unless his general average in all studies Is at least 75. This, it will be seen, bars all who neglect their studies for the pur- pose of taking up athletics, and re- moves all grounds for charges that the teams arc composed or protesSlOnalS, ringers and the like.
 A superb gymnasium has been fitted out, equipped with every modern facili- ty and convenience, including a first class swimming pool.
 c. N. Messer, formerly physical df- rector of the Springfield Training school at Springfield, O., has been en- gagged to fill the position of physical instructor at the High school. MT. Messer is well-known in Ohio, where he has figured prominently in ath- letics. He is a football coach of the highest ability and his presence bodes much good for the success of the team.
 The Athletic Association.
 The backbone of athletics in the High school is the Athletic association, an organization composed of those stu dents who take interest in athletieE. The girls also have such an associa- ton; its purpose being the support of the girls basketball teams. It is plan ned to merge the two organizations this year, thus insurng to a great ex- tent the needed backing. Yesterdays meeting of the association was the first of the year. The principal bus inAHa transactad was the election of