Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-10
COLLEGE SPORT FACES
BIC PROBLEM AFTER WAR
Followers OF Intercollegiate Ath-
lcttcs Predict Radical Changes
When HostiIitics Close.
ENCOURAGE ALL TO TAKE PART
Need for Greater Participation I'm
Sports by Average Student Point
cd Out by Harvard Instructor.
Plan Development of Fewer Stars.

Opinions among followers OF Eastern
college athletics appear to indicate
radical changes In intercollegiate CON-
tests after the war. Up to the present
time there has been no concrete sus-
gestion Or plan offered, Incorporating
the IDEAS under discussion, but It is
consiGcr:d likely that there will be
rapid progress In this direction once
the agitation reaches a plane aboNa
idcalistic propaganda. Notwithstand-
Ing the attitude OF certain faction
to the contrary. 1t Is generally con-
coded that tntervarsity competition is
the stimulus necessary to lift partici-
patton in exercise and sport above the
level OF daily college routine.
Just how to accomplish this. while
giving opportunity for participation in
these games to hundreds CT students
lnsteod OF chosen few specialists or
experts. is the problem which r1ust be
mastered by those vino are advocating
the change. That much Of the un-
necessary and unscholastic glamor Will
he stripped from such intercollegiate
contests appears inevitable. but beyond
this point suggested action cmerges
into discussion. But ono suggestion
looking toward readjustmcnt in
prominent Eastern intercollegiate opoTt
has been advanced TO date.
This is the proposal 10 supcrcedo the
intercollegiate championship regatta
with Il series of short. dual boat races
meet each rival in turn during the
spring rowing season. Just how thia
would increase, to any extent. tho
number OF oarsmen now competing is
not made clear. Providing that
given collcGs-crcw WAS to row even
ne-milc race against rival eight
each Saturday during May and juno,
as football elevcns play contests In
tho autumn, II is likely that the coach
once he had seated n satisfactory and
Inc IA ~ n n hN
would send about the same eight TO the
line each weekend.
That there Is need OF greater par
ticipation in sport exercise and tram
ing by the average student is pointed
out by no less an authority than DR..
Dudley ~ Sargent. director of HemcT.
way gymnasium. Harvard University.
Or. Sargent, in a recent article in the
Harvard Alumni Bulletin. states in
part:
AM-Round Preparations.
presumably the students who enter
Harvard come to prepare themselves
physically as we'll as mentally and nor
maliy Tor life's great game. Recent
examinations have Shown that from
% per cent to 80 per cent OF our young
men are physically unprcpared for milf
tary service. history shows US that
gymnastics and athletics werc orfG-
inally practiccd tor the purpose OF pre-
pairing men for war. Gymnastics fur
NISUcu VIC . oSpE
letics afforded the opportunity fer COM
petition.
"ln view OF the conditions confront-
ms US rs people would 1t not be 2
wiser plan so to conduct our uthletiSB
az not only to select tho tit and elin5
mate the unfit from the major contests
which are the basis OF the present sys-
tcm--of which ! approve as far as II
goes-but so TO modify. supplement and
conduct these or other athletic con-
tests as to encourage the unit &c con-
tinue their practice and try to make
themselves more TT for the duties OF
citizen and Il possible soldier?
THE one great difficulty hat is CON-
tlnually operating against such modi-
fication of our prescntduy method is
the high standard demanded by this
candidates OF our j0r athletic sports.
In my opinion, any game or sport TINT
has become so highly organized as to
require n special aptitude or ability 90
the part OF every player who would
teal service In u democratic ccm-
munity. except as source OF occa-
siona! entertainment End amusement.
1T is almost impossible to keep UP
any interest in highly specialized
game after leaving college. for the
simple reason that not enough skilled
players can be found to form team.
II is largely on account OF tho simE
plicity of the game and the readiness
with which one may find some of
equal ability with whom to play that
tennis and golf ere SO popular OF late