The Washington herald., 1911-09-24


Copyright 1911 by the Nek York Herald Co. All rights
I the man lives who can watch unmoved the break
ing of worlds athletic record he must lacking in
I warm red blood. There is something wonderfully
stirring about the thought that the best of achieve
ments of hundreds of time champions have been
laid in the dust that hardly help joining the
thusiastic crowd it rises rresisbly to its feet.
eager voice its tribute TO the newly crowned king
with rousfng cheer and frenzied handicap.
But with it all, how many in the excited throng
really appreciate to its full worth the value of a
worlds record? How many realize the amount of
gruelng work the constant sacrifices the bitter dis
appointments that are the lot of the conoclast before
the goal is reached?
1t is only those who have themselves trodden the
hard path that of the hardshps that have to be
endured the obstacles and pitfalls the way. of the
shattered hopes Of those failed and tasted
tho fruit Of defeat often through lack of merit
Everything initiates against the record breaker.
Numberess seeming trfes may set at naught his best
efforts. Any little passing body aiment-a slight cold
bruised muscle. strained tendon-is quite sufficient
TO kill his chances. UnfavorabIe conditions, such
a head wind. chilly weather. poor track or soggy
ground will also handicap him beyond hope, and
the danger is present of the best perform
ances being thrown out on teChnicaites by the in
flexible censors Of the record committee of the ANA
teur Athletic Union.
On and off the cry is raised that the preseKt
for new standards is causing the authorities to
cept questionable marks. But what absurd and
unjust calumny this is! If anything. the athletic
tribunal sins by too much rigdity. doubtful record
has as much likelihood to pass the examining board
unchaenged the Biblical camel to squeeze through
the proverbia needles eye. The trouble is that some
persons appear 70 be unable or unwilling realize
that sports are progressing that long experience the
Introduction of scientific methods and the growing
tendency specialize have increased enfod the pos
sbfIfty of turning ont better men in every way.
Poor athlete! Handicapped right and left. devoting
the best years OF his life to the elusive pursuit OF
fame and then reaping only doubt and scepticism
when he touches success!
Protests Generally Unfounded
recent episode will give idea Of how unfounded
the protests generally and how unsound at times
the opinions OF even the best judges. Not long ago
prominent college coach became convinced. for nm
known reasons that the running records being eStab
usbed Mt Celtic Park by Melvin Sheppard of the Irish
American Athletic. Association, beyond the lat
ter's ability Being on friendly terms with James F.
Sullivan of the Amateur Athletic Union he decided
to mention the matter to him. and frankly told him
that having complete faith in the integrity Of the
officials he had come TO the conclusion that the Celtic
PARK track must be short
Mr.. Sullivan likes nothing better than to have sup
posed Irregularities brought to his notice and he made
up his mind to settle the point then and there.
I'll tell you what lie said to the visitor, 81 value
your opinion so highly that would be glad if yOu
would personally investigate the for at
Fred Ruben is in the next room and I'll ask him to
accompany you He is civil engineer and thoroughly
qualified for the task He will measure the track in
your and you then report results to me
The coach welcomed the opportunity TO prove his
contention and the two went away together.
couple of hours later Mr.. sullvans telephone bell
sounded This is So-andSo," said voice at the
other end Il just called you up say that I'll never
question Amateur Athletic Union record again
We measured the track carefully twice, and both
times found it a little longer distance, instead of
short"
Other doubters would soon be converted were they
to take the trouble look into the methods OF the