Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
GRIFFITH SEES NO
TROUBLE IN SIGHT
Tightening Up of Scholastic
Standards Not Aimed
at Athletics.
BY FRANCIS ]. POWERS.

0HICAGO, February 12.-Oc-
caSional innuendoS that
~ the Western Conference
may be ripped by another
explosion similar to the one that
blew Iowa University out of the
Big Ten for year get nothing
but a laugh from Maj. John L.
Griffith, who policies the athletic
morals Of the group. Maj. Grit
fifth, like the athletic directors Of
the Big Ten, is satisfied the con-
ference is conducting its sports In
an honest, sensible manner, and
Is in no need of any reforms,
whatever.
Nearly all Of the individual members
OF the conference are, of their own In
itiative. strengthening scholarship
standards and requirements. Such
moves are not directed at athletes, but
II the young sportsmen are caught
by them it is just too bad.
Must Study More.
Wisconsin has just put into effect
new curricular requirements for ad-
vancement from the sophomore to
junior class in the colleges of letters
and science that will necessitate stu
dents spending more time over textual
matters. The new rules provide that
only those students who at the end
OF their second college year have an
average Of 1.3 grade points per credit
viii automatically advance to the Junior
class. Students having from IL TO Is
n aawzk~
admission to the third year, but their
cases will be passed upon by q faculty
committee, which will not be any too
lenient.
However, this action does not seem
to worry coaches of WisconSin's ath-
letic teams. Assurvey made a few years
ago showed that the athletes earned a
slightly higher academic rating than
the non-athletes. So the coaches are
of the opinion their men can continue
to shine in the class room.
The honor point system Is In effect
IN many OF the other conference schools.
and on the whole Big Ten athletics
must be better than average students
or they do not continue to be varsity
representatives for any length Of time
Maj. Grifhth does not believe there
wiz be any immediate curtailment Of
foot ball schedules in the conference.
Big Ten elevens now are limited to
eight games and must close the Sat-
urday before Thanksgiving day. Many
years ago the conference tried the plan
Of abbreviated foot ball schedules with
out success, and now everyone seems
satisfied that eight games constitutes q
well balanced and unemphasized season.
Spring foot ball practice also win
continue in the Big Ten, and already
some few coaches are preparing to call
out their candidates, However, Spring
drills may be made voluntary on the
part of the candidates, so as not to
interfere with other sports. Indiana
viii not have any heavy Spring prac-
tice this year. due to the fact that
E. @. Hayes. the newly appointed coach,
also Is director Of the track team.
The reported mortality rate among
conference foot ball men in the mid
year examinations has been very light,
and II the young men can now slip
through their June tests the Big Ten
should have a raft of outstanding stars
next Fall. Nearly every conference
coach will have some promising sopho-
more material, and the 1891 race may
be one Of the best In several years.