Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1917-06-08
BOILER DISCUSSES
COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Points Out Necessity of Continuing
Athletics During the War



Last week at the meeting of the
athletic council 1t was definitely de-
clded that we continue our ath-
letic sports at this institution. Wash
ington State College never went on
record as favoring the discontinue
ance of athletics on account of
the declaration of war, but continued
as long as there was competition. or
course, II is needless to say that with
the country's demand for the serv-
Ices Of many of our athletes, the
standard OF athletics must necessar-
lily be somewhat lower, but that
should not be a determining factor.
There are ways in which our present
difficulties may be overcome, to a
degree at least. One of these is by
dropping the Freshman rule; that is,
allowing first year men to compete.
Such an arrangement would be es-
pecially desirable for the Northwest
Conference on account of the smaller
enrolment at some of these institu-
tions, although it may also be de-
sirable for the Pacific Coast Con-
ference since some of the institutions
there suffered great losses. especi-
ally Oregon and Washington. A
meeting of the athletic managers is
being contemplated, and without
doubt, will be called sometime dur
ing the summer to agree upon war
time emergency measures to further
our athletic activities and If neces-
sary to re-arrange schedules. Pres
ent reports would indicate that most
OF the schools favor continuance of
athletics.
The first impulse by some of the
institutions was to consider athletics
a luxury to discontinue which was
an act of patriotism. This, however,
did not meet the approval of all
notable among whom are President
Wilson and high military officials.
Athletics serve a larger purpose than
to make experts of a comparatively
few 1t is generally conceded that
We need intercollegiate contests to
stimulate interest for intramural
sports and this has been borne out in
more than one instance in the North
west this year. 1t is essential that
We maintain an interest in the phys
ical we'll being of our student bodies.
By means of athletic games and con
tests a great deal can be accom-
plished In the way of improving the
physical conditions of our men and
at this time more than ever before
do we need physical efficiency. Col
leges and universities are urged to
return to normal as soon as possible
and, undoubtedly, a large majority
will In the autumn resume intercol-
legiate competition. modified II nee
essary There is every Indication In
the Northwest that similar ,condi-
lions will prevail. and since all the
institutions have retained their
coaches, 1t is only reasonable to ia
fer that we will have intercollegiate
football and other sports In the fall.
Under the circumstances, however,
all the stress must not be laid on ath-
ietic contests. They should be used
only as means TO an end-to i'm
prove men physically. Emphasis
should be placed on regular and cor
reetive gymnastics as well. A years
systematic work under competent in
struction will accomplish wonders in
overcoming physical deficiencies in
many of our students. All efforts,
both in physical education and ath-
letlcs should be bent toward physical
fitness-a long stride toward pre-
paredness.
------------