The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-06-20
Every Branch Encouraged
At y. s. Naval Train
ing Station
BOXING rs MOST
POPULAR SPORT
Golf is the Only Recreation
For Which There is
No Room
fRy Aaaociated Prsaa.l

Great Lakes, Ill, June 20.--Athletic
teams which would rival those of some
of the more famous universities of the
country are being developed at the
United States Naval Training station
here. In fact, under the schedule laid
down by Capt. w. A Mofcett, com
| mandant, from the time the young
American slips into his bluejacket,
athletics form big part of his daily
life, breaking up the routine Of drill
and serving to build up his muscle
and morals. Gifted.
Eighty-two hundred men from Mis-
souri,, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Indiana.
kentucky, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Mich
igan and parts Of other states are in
training here, and from the moment
he enters the station q young man is
encouraged to participate in athletic
contests. 1t is urged that the skill and
strength obtained in this way will stand
In good stead in fighting the nations
battles. - : :. -
Surgeon In Charge.
John B. Kaufman, passed assistant
surgeon, although also engaged at the
head or hospital corps of $50 men, is
In charge OF ell athletics. His athletic
stan, composed OF Ensigns w. B. Ed
wards and w. HI. Stillwell, has been
aided by voluntary service Of many
civilians. who occupy high rank in the
outside athletic world.
Among these is Jimmy" Sheckard,
star outfielder Of the old Chicago Ma
tional baseball club and now assistant
manager and scout. With many col
lege, semi professional and ameteur
players in the ranks at the station, he
is whipping an enviable baseball team
into shape. At present there are sew
eral Leagues in the various camps Of
the station and 1t Is expected that the
championship nine will represent the
sailors against outside clubs.
Martin A. Delaney, physical director
OF the Chicago Athletic association,
also has volunteered his services. De-
laney, who was second in command of
the American Olympic team at Stock
holm, devoted much of his time to the
first big outdoor track meet Of the sea-
son, in vAlich more than 1000 blue
jackets. participated. Coach E. j.
Mather, Of Lake Forest college, also is
assisting with track athletics. After
Lake Forest college abandoned athlet-
les at the beginning of the war, sew
eral OF his men enlisted. among them
Captain ]. Hellberg, OF the track team,
who is serving as second class yeo-
man.
Coach Harry Hazelhurst. Of the
Hamilton club, of Chicago, has enlist
ed in the United States Naval Reserve
force. as chief yeoman. and now ia
engaged in teaching recruits to swim.
VIM. Bachrach, of the Illinois Athlet-
ic club, also has volunteered his SER
vices as swimming coach and it has
been announced that as soon as the
waters Of Lake Michigan are warm
enough every man in the station will
be required to demonstrate his ability
to swim.
Boxing is Popular.
Boxing Is one Of the most popular
sports at the station. Chief Turret
Captain Jack Kennedy is in charge of
this branch of athletics. Bouts are
held regularly in ring pitched in a
natural amphitheatre in a ravine on
the reservation and thousands of per-
sons attend them.
almost every form of athletic compe-
tition finds its advocates here. Some
OF those who have claimed particular
attention recently are G. c. (Pat)
Smith. captain elect of the University
OF Michigan football eleven, who came
here with the Michigan Naval militia.
Another Michigan football hero in
training here is Raymond. halfback for
two years. There are numbers OF men
who have engaged in professional
wrestling matches, among them Ben
Reuben. Chicagoan, who claims the
AHluuLCWSlSnL CllduApAOuSAlps ISouUSIls
enlisted as q second class machinist's
mate, is acting as instructor Of wrestl-
ing. One Of his leading pupils is Wick
er. formerly OF the University Of In
diana.
No Room Fer Golf.
Almost the only sport for which there
is no place at the station is golf and r.
B. Lackman, of Kansas City, who came
with the Missouri Naval militia, and
was one of the best golfers Of his state.
said he hopes they find a place for
at least a putting block.
Although the men engage in almost
all of the branches OF athletics, base
ball and boxing are easily the favor
ties. Almost any of the daylight hours
will see those men not on duty engag-
ed in batting practice, playing catch or
with a regular game In progress, while
off to one side may be several men
sparring. And the, effects are seen in
the general improvement in the health
Of the men. Roy Norton, who enlisted
in Kansas City and claims Duluth as
his home, expressed this when he said:
"Ive gained ten pounds since came
here, and my muscles are strong as
the kick of an army mule"