Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-02-13
Judgments

"AH busily extolling the many vtr-
" tues of this state. 1t might not
be smiss to point out the an
RSllEN2I nual interscholastic basket ball
49, tournament which will be held
at Lincoln in March. This basket ball
tournament was last year the biggest
interscholastic event of its kind in the
United States. with seventy teams par
ticipating. Already this year 1877 high
schools of the state have signified inten-
tions of taking part. A gain of 100 per
cent. With such a large entry list the
tourney this year will not only be the
biggest basket ball event in the United
States, but will probably be the biggest
interscholastic event In any branch of
sport What better proof that the state
of Nebraska is making its mark in the
field of athletics? The wrestling cham
pion OF the world, a championship foot
ball team. a championship trapshooter
and the biggest interscholastic event In
the country. Nebraska is truly a potent
factor in sport.
Some fear is expressed that Nebraska
may jeopardize its standing in the Mis-
souri, Valley conference by playing the
oregon Aggies next fall in Portland.
which city is not the site Of the Oregon
Agricultural college. A Missouri Valley
conference ruling prohibits the playing of
games in cities at which neither OF the
participating schools are situated. No
fear need enter the minds of the Ne
braska athletic board on this score. The
conference rule was drawn up and passed
Tor the express purpose to take rap
at Omaha and Kansas City. II Nebraska
- - n. -
land or Yale at Chicago or Heidelberg at
Paris. nary a peep would be heard from
the Missouri Valley conference. but let
Nebraska play Ames at Omaha, or Kan
sas play Missouri at Kansas City and
a squawk that would subdue an army OF
Krupp's would instantly be heard.
Tomorrow the Western league will
adopt its schedule for the approaching
season It has Informally been decided
by the magnates that a return to the
pla ying season of 154 games will be made.
Last year but 40 games were played. The
return to the longer season Is good evil
dence that the magnates are looking for
ward to a year OF prosperity. The longer
season makes a better pennant race. but
the shorter season lessons expenses. All
eight of the club owners favor the longer
schedule which means that eight men
experienced in base ball agree that base
hal is due to return 20 its old popularity.
And such a verdict from eight men II
a pretty good indication that the ma
tional pastime will come back"
Willie Hoppe declares that his extreme
skill on the billiard table Is entirely the
result of steadiness. due to a consistently
clean life and great physical condition.
And as we look back among the records
we find the names OF Jake Schaefer,
Tommy Hueston, John DAILY, all experts
at the cue game; John l.. Sullivan, Young
Critic. Peter jackson. Terry McGovern,
Tod Sloan and countless others whose
success was I'm no way due TO clean liv-
ine. or impaired by the lack of it. The
making Of a champion is a peculiar thing,
an enigma unsolved. and Willie Hoppe
nor ANYBODY else viii ever be able to
provide sure formula.
mighty tribute to the national pastime
OF The United states was paid by Judge
Lands last week when he dismissed the
suit against Organized Base Ball after
proving that the policy of watchful walt
. ing paid insofar as base ball is concerned
al least. Judge lands, In his dismissal.
declared that the closest examination of
the evidence and arguments failed 10 re-
fleet on the honor of the game or upon
any individual player. What more could
the men of Organized Base Ball ask than
such a tribute from a man OF the pro-
found intelligence of judge in one OF the
busiest OF United states circuit courts.
Jess Willard and his corps Of managers
seem to be following the ring philosophy
of Freddie Welsh. Freddie has held
championship for many moons now by
appearing in nothing but no-decision
bouts he has also Melted himself
tidy income Now willard starts the ten
round. no-decision campaign with Frank
Moran in New York. Prospective and
hopeful champs with a willingness TO
fight will find II Just as hard 10 get
Willard 10 risk his title as the light
weights have found Welsh. It's a gay
life and the public continues to play the
part OF the sucker.
A Milwaukee caddy has brought suit
against the Milwaukee Country club for
$4,000 because OF injuries suffered at the
hands Of a member Of the club. The
caddy alleges the member Of the club
? hit him on the head with a ball while
putting. Fortunately the golfer with the
Hercuiean strength was not driving at
the time.
Trap shooting is said To be the ideal