San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-12-31

In line with the widespread dis
cussion of commercialization of col
lege and high school athletics, pro-
fessional football and kindred sub
jects, The Light believes views Of
local educators, especially in rela-
tion to San Antonio's situation,
will be interesting. The following
is an interview with L. E. Eakeley,
principal at Main Avenue High
School:
San Antonio's educational system
is in no danger of being dominated by
athletics, according to T. L. Eakeley,
principal of Main Avenue High
School. Mr.. Eakeley was pleased 10
be quoted in direct contradiction of a
statement attributed to w. c. Lem
mon, president of the Dallas board If
education, in which he predicted Je-
moralization of the states educational
system through commercialized high
school athletics.
What Mr.. Lennon had to say
about conditions in Dallas may lie
true" said Superintendent Eakeley,
particular section of the state, he took
in too much territory. As far us tue
commercial aspect is concerned, GU:
athletics in San Antonio canont be
compared to the cities in the northern
part of the state.
I'VE have an entirely different sys
TEN of athletics in San Antonio than
that of Dallas. There is no doubt
that athletics, particularly football,
have become commercialized in various
high schools in the state, but it Ger
tainly is not true so far as San An
tonic is concerned"
SAW 1T COMING.
Mr.. Eakeley called attention TO the
fact that his school had withdrawn
from the state football race before the
season started, for no other reason,
he taid, than TO avoid the very coa-
sequence which has now arisen at
Dallas. He, with Coach Griesenbeck,
took the stand that it were better TO
join the select few in the Southwest
TexassHigh School League than to ex-
tend their football season until New
Years and, possibly. be accused of
commercializing the sport.
Il have smelled the present situa-
ton coming for some time" continued
Eakeley. land made up my mind that
Main Avenue would have its skirts
clear. | believe in high school ath-
letics when utilized in the proper med
Grafton, but it cannot be said that j
nave allowed football or any other
sport to overrun my school.
Mr. EaEplpU CtfrnrioaI Tho
charge made by the Dallas official as
to the mystery surrounding the DISPOSE
ton of the money realized by the high
schools of that city during the football
season. IL such a condition exists.
he says, there is something radically
wrong.
BOOKS AUDITED.
"0ur books are audited as carefully
as those Of a bank" declared the
Main Avenue superintendent. I'VE can
account for every penny taken in dur
ing the football season just closed, as
well as for the past several years.
Most Of it was expended toward equip
ping and financing the football eleven.
What little is left will be necessary
to finance the basket ball, baseball
and track teams
Main Avenue has a bonded finance
committee. TO whom every cent Of
money realized through athletic events
is turned over. Before any money can
be withdrawn for any purpose. the
necessity of its withdrawal must be
passed upon by the committee. Then
it is doled out grudgingly.
To give an idea Of the amount of
money necessary to finance n modern
high schools athletics, Superintendent
Eakeley estimated that it had cost
slightly over $1,000 TO equip and keep
up the Crimson eleven during the past
season. Added to this was an item
of 500 for lumber used TO erect
stands at Schwab Field.
The Crimson basket ball team. made
possible through football monies, will
begin practice shortly after New
Years. Their practice court alone
will cost them $50 month. Mr..
Eakeley declared.
Another statement in the article at
tributed TO Mr.. Lennon which attract
ed Mr.. Eakeley's attention was where
in the Dallas official stated that cOer-
ciOn was used to stimulate ticket sales
that students who did not purchase
dueats 10 every game we're branded
yellow
In order 10 avoid that situation. Mr..
Eakeley said. Main Avenue sold sea-
son athletic tickets at the first Of the
year. the holder entitled TO attend al
81 80 athletic events during the irrm.
These tickets We're sold for $3.50. or
at cost Of slightly less than twelve
cents per game.