San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-01-26
PRINCETON LATEST TO
FIGHT NARROWNESS OF
FOOTBALL AWARD PLAN
Letters for Merit Instead OF
"Big Three" PGrtici-
patton Only.
By LAWRENCE PERRY.

Copyright, 1928. by The san Antonio Light.
New York. Jan. n6.-nrinccton au'
thorities are today seriously consider
ing plan of awarding the varsity
letter on some basis other than mere
participation in athletic contests with
teams representing Yale and Harvard.
The athletic association has recommend
ed to the insignia committee that
hereafter the AZ" be awarded on merit.
Whether the SuggeStiCn, will be follow
ed or not may not now be said. Ihey
are pretty conservative about such
things. But it is foregone that ut no
distant date, if not now, the change
will be made.
An example as to how the present
Arrangement may often does work
out. may he taken from the Chicago
contest. This was n game for which
no letter was awarded and yet Prince
ton never went through struggle
which ~made greater demands upon
gameness. stamina and determination.
Assume that one or more men played
in that game who later were prevent
cd for one reason or another from get
ting into the gaines against Harvard
and Yale. Would not fairness and jus'
tice argue that these players nrc on
titled to all the consideration the uni
versity authorities could bestOw?
Since 1911 Harvard has awarded
the letter in football 10 those who T!6y
against Yale and yet since that year
the Crimson's most difficult opponent
has been Princeton. Perhaps this was
the reason for Haryard's decision
hereafter to award the letter on merit
irrespective of participation in games.
Arguments that have been brought 10
bear upon Harvard and Princeton with
regard to insignia awards.
Talk is heard in intercollegiate
circles that Lou Young. Pennsylvania
new. football coach, is not TO be per-
mancnt Hhe gossip is that he has con-
sentcd to occupy the post temporarily,
until the way is clear for the appoint
mcnt of coach of national reputation.
From California has come word that
Andy Smith may not renew his con
tract with California next year and
that he will head for his alma mater,
Pennsylvania. Names of other coaches
at present tied IN with contracts have
been mentioned in connection with the
Pennsylvania job. In the meantime,
Lou Young seems to be well equipped
in point Of real ability if not in repu-
tation.
In 1912. when plans for the con-
crete stand which rises on the west side
Of Stags Field were under considera-
ton, the University of Chicago f'culty
committee ordered the capacity reduc-
ed about COCO seats. This action. 1t
is understood, was taken as a result
Of the opinion of the faculty members
that intercollegiate athletics would soon
be leGislated out of existence. Now
in 1928 those 5000 seats are to be
added to the west stand. If 10000
were added the Stagg Field accommoda-
lions would not exceed the demand.
As it is, the new addition will help
some.
Just how much of an international
favor may be applied to sport in this
country depends upon our Willingness
and ability to defray partially or
wholly the expenses of our distinguish
ed visitors. Money for financing over
sea inyasions is not so ready in Eng
land as it is here. Our college teams
cross the ocean without great deal
of thought as to the cost and 50 with
our golfers. tennis players and track
athletes. Pennsylvania has just been
Obliged to turn down an offer from
Australian universities to send their
teams to the Penn relays, provided the
Quakers paid the shot. Pennsylvania
only reason was the great cost of trav-
cling from the Antipodes. On the
other hand. there is no doubt that he
expenses of joint Oxford-C Cambridge
team will be paid should they decide
to come here for the relay. In fact4
the English universities are now con-
sidering proposition TO this effect
from the Penn authorities.