Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-07-14
GIRL runner HAS
NOT BEEN BEATEN
Miss Margaret Kilkenny's Ath-
Ietic Experience Has Been
Series Of Triumphs
BY PAUL PREP

A little over four years ago she ran
her first race. and won. Then she began
running for her school. Now she IL
the champion of the Curtis Country
Club. And she has never tasted the
cuD Of defeat.
1t reads like fiction. but, neverthe-
less. it's true. Miss Margaret Eileen
Kilkenny. who resides at the home Of
her parents. 1920 Jerome street. il the
young lady whose career started in
such an unusual manner.
Miss Kilkenny. who Is eighteen years
old, has blue eyes and black bobbed
hair, is perfect type for runner.
She has inherited a fighting spirit
that has carried her TO the front in
all OF her races. She has that unusual
ability TO get away to good start
and maintain the pace throughout the
race. She Is never disheartened before
a race. no matter how strong the COM
petition. and the thought always upper
most in her mind is to win.
Brother Started Her
! II began running about four years
ago Miss Kilkenny said in a low
voice. II didn't want to. but john
she pointed to her brother. who also is
an athlete--''made me. We were
spectators at meet and had walked
over to watch an open race. Just
before the starter fred his gun John
pushed me into the race and l was
forced to run. won easily"
| Her eyes sparkled as she thought Of
The race. She laughed a little as did
her brother and Harry McGrath, her
coach. Then she continued:
After winning that race gained
confidence in myself and started
running for the st. Stephens Paro.
chial School. Broad and Butler streets,
| was successful in all Of my races.
About year and half ago I began
running for the Curtis Country Club.
Last year l won the fifty yard dash
championship of the club and the sew :
entyi hve- yard dash championship this
! year.
II was first taught track athletics
by my brother and later by father. My
father was an athlete. Then when
started running for the Curtis Ciuh
Harry McGrath took charge Of me, and
! must say that he is good coach"
At this point McGrath, well known in
amateur athletic circles, took the floor
''She is one of the best pupils I have
ever had he said she listens ia
what she Is told and always carries out
! instructions.
About two weeks ago I started her
high jumping She has improved rap
! idly since then and can now jump four
feet. This Is nine inches below the rec
ord. which, If she keeps on improving
l am sure she will come close to equal
ing.
Faces Hard Test
''In the last two meets in which we
have participated she has won three
first places. Against the Corn Ex.
change Bank she won the seventy five
yard dash, potato race and high jump
Last week. competing against the Ma.
tivity Catholic Club, she won the sev
enty -tive-yard dash, high jump and ran
anchor on the winning relay team
The Shanahan Catholic Club will hold
its annual meet on July %. Miss Kill
kenny will compete. She will face stars
Of the highest ca liber, including Miss
Dorothy Baugh. the Temple University
star. 1t will be her hardest test. But
If the shows the same fighting spirit or
July % that she hns In the past she
should come through 70 victory.