Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-10
COLLEGES WILL RESUME:
ATHLETICS THIS FALL
fercnces Indicates Most Eastern
Institutions Restore Sports.
WILSON SUGGESTS REVIVAL
Recent Statement Favoring Continue
anCe Brings Uncertain Ones Into
Iinc-Lowercd Standards, but In
creased Number of Competitors.

The conviction is growing among
close followers of college sports that
athletic activity will bn resumed at
almost all of the Eastern institutions
when they open next fall. Several
meetings and conferences are to be
held 10 discuss this subject in the near
future, and. If advance expression of
opinions counts. il apparent that
sentiment is strongly in favor of a
restoration Of competitive conditions
which prevailed before the declaration
of a state OF war.
Undoubtedly the statement by Presi-
dent Wilson indicating that he thor
ouEhly believes in 4 continuation Of
sport at the colleges "as a real con-
tribution TO the national defense" has
had a direct bearing upon the situa-
ton. There was wide difference of
opinion among members of the various
university athletic associations early
this spring when sport schedules be-
Kan 10 he cancelled.
y number were in favor of maintain
ing the regular system until such time
as IL should seem that competitive con-
tests were interfering with the mill
tary training program. Those institu-
tons which continued their schedules
however. found IL difficult to secure
suitable opponents under the prevail
ing conditions. and it was soon real
ized that the situation would have TO
be adjusted If there was to he the
usual cooperation next autumn.
II is with this idea in mind that the
National Collegiate Athletic Associa
ton and the Graduate Athletic Mana
gers Association have decided TO meet
and discuss plans for a revival of COL
lese sports under restrictions in keep
ing with the war spirit Of the times.
Several suggestions have been advanc-
ed which may be incorporated in the
temporary rules or eligibility code to
govern sport while war prevails
These include the suspension OF both
the oneyear and the freshman rule.
thus permitting any regularly enroll
ed student TO compete as a member OF
n varsity team, as we'll as limitinC
areas of competition: coaching: adj
mission fees and the superintendent OF
same 10 worthy causes, such as the
Red Cross. 1t is conceded that under
these suggested changes the standard
might he lowered in certain lines of
sport, such as the highly develoDed
football played by certain of the larg-
or university elevcns. To offset this
il is pointed out. however. that more
students would try for the various ath-
letic combinations. and training would
be adopted upon 4 broader scale
These contests to be staged i'm most
instances Will lack the glamour and
spectacular features of former years
because so many stars have respond :
ed 10 the call TO arms. In some places
eligibility rules are being changed,
even freshmen being allowed TO par
ticipatc. in order TO have enough a-h-
l-tcs TO form teams. At ot.,Sr col
lcGcs there will be a drastic pairing Of
expenses and donations to the Red
Cross. Practice periods generally Will
&c shortened in favor of military in
Structon.
4 poll of the leading educational
institutions shows surprising pro-
ponderance OF opinion In favor OF
sports OF the part of thos. college
which have taken any action at all.
This sentiment. which has not found
oUtspoken expression to any great eX-
tent, took new courage when President
Wilson urged a continuance OF college
sports along normal lines 20 far as
possible. not only as a diversion. but
to keep the young men in 1T condi-
ton for future service in the army.
The effect OF this Official sanction
which has previously been voiced in
regard to lawn tennis and some other
sports by Secretary Of war 2a kcr. had
a spontaneous effect. The Southwest
ern conference. embracing Texas. Okla
homa. Arkansas and aliici colleges
which had voted TO discontinue sport,
RECONSTRUCTED its action. The advice
| is expected TO have powderful weight
| in the council! of the faculty reprcsen-
tatives OF the bis nine conference.
embracing the leading universities in
| the West at Chicago on Saturday,
when declaration of policy is ex-
pectcd
| Except the Atlantic coast and in Col
! orado the sentiment is almost unani-
nous for college athletics.
Pennsylvania. Harvard. Yale. Prince
| ton and their rivals will he governed
lCOntinued on Third Pagel