Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-22
PROSPECTS BRIGHT
FOR BRAND new
GYM AT COLBY

Waterville, Feb. 21-The prospects
for a new gymnasium at Colby has
frightened considerably in the last
few days. Professor e. Harry Ed
wards of the department OF physical
education at the college has been
given authority to go ahead with
plans for raising money and the
Colby athletic director Is ALREADY
buslly engaged in drawing up
scheme TO secure the necessary funds.
For some time at Colby the need
for new gymnasium has been keen
IL felt. Never was this need so
clearly demonstrated as yesterday.
Two lnterfraternlty basketball games
were scheduled to be played. When
the men appeared TO play off the
games there was large pool OF wat
er in the center Of the floor. 1t was
impossible 10 dry this spot UP as
the snow was entering at the top Of
the hall through a hole In the sky
light 1t was a hazardous proposition
to play the games as the floor was
vet and slippery. The game had nor
been going on for great length Of
time when one OF the players slip
ped and fell. suffering slight injuries,
This condition Is characteristic of
all attempts TO stage athletic con-
tests in the gymnasium. The build
ing rs not large enough to permit the
various teams TO train properly. The
track men are hampered by the ply
sical training classes and ii is i'm
possible for tho weight men to work
out In tho gymnasium in the after
noon because of the danger to the
members of the physical training
classes. There IS no place in the
gym that Mike Ryan can use for de-
veloping his weight men. When the
weather is unfavorable the various
teams must suspend all athletic acti-
witty.
Colby has the makings OF a good
baseball team in college but unless
the men have a chance to get some
work In during the next few months
the Blue and Grey squad will not be
able to compete with the other coll
lcges In the state. All other Maine
colleges already have their battery
candidates working out daily in the
gyms. II is impossible for the Colby
ball tossers TO do this as the fioor is
occupied by the physical training
classes.
If the plans of Professor Edwards
mature Colby will have the best gym
nasium in tho state within n very few
years. 1t is not a passive interest
that he Colby director has, but very
active one and he is working hard to
get the machinery in motion.
Professor Edwards already has q set
of plans in his possession which pro-
vide for n building that will put Colby
To the fore in the ranks of the Maine
colleges. The gymnasium that ProfeE
Gu a tvu dc. nj Cor Gill q
all of Colby's needs.
The new building will be situated or
the site of the present one. 1t will COT
tain n large gymnasium floor which
will he fitted for intercollegiate basket
hall games. Colby has the markings of
one of the best basketball teams in
New England and if suitable floor
could he found the Blue and Gray
would Create Il sensation in hoop sport
circles. In Athletic Director Edwards
Colby has one of tho most capable bas-
kcttal coaches In New England.
Tho floor would also he suited for
physical training classes In addition
to the large floor plans the plans call
for two large exercise rooms where
special work may he carried on. Spe-
Cial arrangements have been made for
locker and shower rooms and for dress
ing rooms for the home and visiting
teams.
Under the entrance there Will he q
room for lounEing and recreation. over
the entrance there will he n trophy
room. At the present ttmo Colby has
a large number Of trophies but no place
to PIT thcm.
Plans are also made for two four
vailed handhall courts. The tennis
team. may also work out in these
rooms. one of the big features OF the
gymnasium wiz hc the large wing
which will contain miniature ath-
lctic field. Tho wing will he 200 feet
long and 80 feet wide. It will he
possible to stage all sorts Of athletic
contests indoors in iuclemert weather
Further announcement will he made
by tho department Of physical educa-
:icn within few days