Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-03-22
HOf Wins Crown
U. S. Supremacy in
American Sports

New York, March 21.-(By The AS
ISOLATED Press)-For the second year
in succession the crown Of indoor
athletic supremacy in America rests
upon the head of an invader from
that new creole of track and field
supermen, Scandinavia. The laureals
which last season went to the Phan-
tom of Finland, Paavo Nurmi, go
without dispute this year to the
Eaulting Viking of Norway, Charley
Eoff.
Capturing the imagination of fan
dom as much by his winning per-
sonality as by his astonishing feats
in the pole vault and his al;-around
proves, this smiling, dark haired
youth of % was the "edeemirg star
of an indoor season otherwise color
less and disappointing, particularly
by comparison with the blazing pace
of 1925.
Rising to heights where other m
vading stars such as Cooper, How
ben and Adrian Paultn fell by the
wayside, Hoff figured in IL of the as
worlds record performances which
Lunctuated the campaign. This to-
tai was far short of the unprccedent-
ed record cop of IL a when 1875
performances equalley CT bettered
worlds marks, but Hofi's ratio COM
pared favorably with that of Nurmi,
who accounted for "a of last season s
record figures.
The little Norwegian capped the
climax of Ills indoor achievements
during the past week. the last of the
season, by shattering both the
worlds all-around championship
battle from Emerson Norton and
Harold Osborne. He added the final
touch last night with another record
vault.
All told Hoff raised the pole vault
record ten times in a period of six
weeks. soaring without interrupting
from 10 feet one inch to 10 feet 1-2
inches. mark which is not far from
the outdoor record of 13 feet II 1915
inches, which the Viking also holds.
The seasons record breaking was
accompanied by general shake up
in the array of champions, although
injuries and other mishaps robbed
the campaign of much of it's compet-
tive flavor. The major chare of the
sprint honors. for instance, went to
Chef Bowman, Newark A. c.. flash,
after Loren Murchison of the Illinois
A. S., premier seped merchant for
several years. was forced out by
strained ligaments. Murchison was
undefeated in the early stages of the
season, and lifted the scalp of his
German rival. Houben, before retir-
ing.
A weak ankle not only kept Os-
born from high jumping in anywhere
near his usual form, but forced him
to Quit the all-round battle with
Hoff and Norton.
Although he flashed several brilli-
ant performances, two in worlds rec
ord time, Alan Helffrich Yielded the
better share of middle distance laur-
els to Ray Robertson of the Boston
A. A. who closed the season with
Two sensational Victories over the
New York A. c. star.
Distance running was almost in
total eclipse, despite the gallant eff
forts of Willie Ritola, sturdy Finn
American, who was without a
real rival for the first time in several
years as a result of Nurmis absence
and Joie Rays decision to turn PRO"
after long and colorful career as an
athlete.
If the big Three" of Americas
1924 olympic shot put team, Hilles,
Hartranft and Houser. retain their
form. this country will boast at least
live men capable of lettering so feet
IN the next International games with
the further prospects that some one
or them may soon shatter Ralph