New-York tribune., 1918-08-04
Famous
Sprinters Seek
National tiles
By A. c. Cavagnaro

According to information that comes
from the West Howard P. Drew and
10 Loomis are likely to face each other
in the sprint races at the senior ma
tional outdoor Amateur Athletic
Union championship games, which are
to be held by the Meadowbrook Club
on Franklin Field, Philadelphia, in
September. Both world famous ath-
letes have already notified their re-
spective district officials that they are
keen to strive for titles and that they
will be in tip top shape for the games.
Loomis is now in Uncle Sans SER
vice with an artillery regiment, which
is at present stationed near Philadel
phia. 10 has seen service in France,
where he felt the thrill of driving an
ambulance to the front for several
months. The one-time national sprint
champion, who possesses the greatest
stride of any athlete in the world, has
not lost any of his old speed, judging
by his performances in contests here
recently. Although attired in khaki
suit and heavy shoes, the former Chi
cago A. A. $unner covered the distance
in the especially fast time Of ten sec
onds.
Since his unfortunate injury at San
Francisco in 1916, when he pulled
tendon in the national championships,
Drew has made a sensational comeback.
He has repeatedly Clown" over the 100
and 220 yard distances in the times of
93-5 seconds and 21 1-5 seconds, re-
spectively, Of which times he is part
world record holder. Drew competed
in several races indoors during the last
winter, and although opposed by much
younger rivals. who had created quite
a furore by their remarkable running,
beat them in handy fashion. The ne
gro sprinter intends to hang up his
shoes soon, but before his spikes are
put away to rust, Drew contemplates
again attaching his name to titles.
/ 1t is to be hoped that both Drew and
Loomis will be able to toe the starting
line as rivals, for the spectators are
sure to see great contest. Opinion
has differed for many years as to the
relative speed Of each sprinter, and
as they have never met IN races be-
fore the outlook will be keeny await
ed. Drew is one of the fastest men
off his mark in this country, which
advantage is not held by Loomis. How
ever. when once under way, Loomis,
with his greyhound stride, "steps" by
many rivals and speeds along like a
IoTnauO IN the last ten yards.
Western, followers of athletics will
also pin their hopes in bringing back
a sprint title in Irwin Mahl, of the
Columbian Club. of St. Louis. Mahl
competed in the nationals at Newark
in 1916. but unfortunately did not dis
play the speed of which he was re-
ported to possess. In the recent mu-
nicipal games held in St. Louis Mahl
was clocked by several watches for the
100 yards in 104-5 seconds.
Another st. Louis boy who is sure
to make his presence felt and prob
ably prove a thorn to both Drew and
Loomis is Loren Murchison. The lat
ter exhibited at several meets in this
city during the past winter, finishing
second in the sixty-yard senior ma
tional title race. In this contest the
finish was SO close that Murchison, in
the opinion of spectators who sat on
line with the finishing worsted, was
the victor by inches. Later Murchi-
son started in the John Wanamaker
games, where he was double winner
in cleverly won races
It Is reported that several other
athletes who scored points in the Jun
ior Metropolitan Association outdoor
games at Celtic Park last Sunday will
be hailed before the registration COM
mlttee at its next meeting to explain
their activities during the past months.
The rulo pertaining to the eligibility
Of athletes for championship games is
thin one and easily evaded by ath-
lctes seeking to compete in junior title
meets. more ironclad rule is likely
to be promulgated at the next annual
meeting Of the local association.
The expected disqualification Of A.
G. Degch, Of the Paulists, and J. Ta-
kasch. Of the Glencoes, will bring
about a tie for tho junior team hon
ors between the two above named clubs
With twenty-threc points apiece. How
eyer, the championship banner will 20
to tho Paulist organization, as its
athfstes scored the greater number Of
! frat places than it's rivals.