The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-11-15
FIT
MEN ARE TURNED
OUT BY v. & |.
President Smith Tells of
Scientific Work Now
Being Done at the
Institution

Washington and Lee university is
looking after the physical welfare and
development of its students.
This institution, founded by the
Father of Our Country" and headed
at one time by Robert E. Lee, has
always maintained the highest ideals
of cultured education.
While sacrificing none of its ira
Gitions. the institution has broadened
its scope and has set pace in phys
ical development unsurpassed any
where, according to DR.. H. L. Smith
president, who was in Birmingham las;
night.
"A student, brilliantly educated and
with the finest mind, who leaves his
university physically untitled for the
struggles of life, If not destined to
fail, is doomed to be seriously held
back" said DR.. Smith. Modern Amer
lea makes stern physical demands upon
her leaders, Just as she demands
mental ability. I believe we have
taken steps to meet this condition
probably more advanced than at any
other institution.
There are eight men in the fac
ulty of Washington and Lee who look
after the physical development of the
students. Some. of course, are the reg
ular athletic instructors the coaches
and the physical directors employed
everywhere. But we go further. Whei
young man enters he Is given ar
examination more thorough than that
required for entrance into the army
Nothing is overlooked Blood tests and
all other requirements Of modern
science for learning persons true
physical condition are complied with
If treatment is needed 1t Is giver
by the best physicians. If exercise is
needed the right kind is provided
Students who come to us rated az
athletic stars are sometimes found t
be defective and to be shortening theii
lives from indulging in the wrong kline
of sports. No man IS allowed to dc
any kind of exercise or to enter any
athletic competition until the most
exacting examination shows that il
will not injure him, but Will rather
develop him.
1.-THE man who needs gymnasium
training is given it, He has the RICH
of way over the perfect man, the
healthy athlete who maybe does no
need much indoor training. The whole
thing is conducted in a scientific way
rather than in a haphazard manner.
1--WE have a certain advantage il
the matter of physical training in tina
we have just completed the fines
gymnasium in the south. A large sun
was given us by wealthy friend foi
the construction OF this building ant
it's completion, together with the sys
tenn we have inaugurated regarding
athletics and physical culture have
enabled us to accomplish splendid re
suits in the matter of developing
| strong men physically as well as abl'
men mentally"
DIR. Smith is enthusiastic over tn
| record Washington and Lee is maxim:
| in football. He called attention to thu
defeat given Navy, to the very clos
score with Army and to the annihifa
| ton of Bucknell. Some of this success
he attributed to the scientific ATHLETE
\ system at the institution, as he SAX
| no man was on any team who, due Il
some physical defect, might fall dowI
at the critical moment.
| AS an example of the serious man
ner in which the physical part of tn
work is regarded he declared that NJ
student could secure from Washing
| ton and Lee degree who was not al
expert swimmer who was not verse;
| in the principles of first aid. and VIII
! had not taken two years OF certain
| specified physical culture work.
| DR.. Smith, who was here to make al
address before the Alabama Federation
of Womens Clubs, was entertained b!
| the local alumni of Washington ant
Lee He left at midnight for his hom'
| in Lexington, Ky.