Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-19
Reform in College Athletics
Appraised as Doubtful Step

Logic In the reform adopted by Co
lumbia University in major athletic con-
tests is conceded by those who discuss
the subject, but some doubt Is expressed
as to the possibility of acting IN the
face OF public interest in the great con-
tests of the college world. As explained
by President Nicholas Murray Butler,
the purpose is to eliminate professional
coaching, and to put such rivalries on
the same basis as other subjects in the
curriculum of the educational institu-
ton. Similar action at the University
OF Pennsylvania Is held to be significant.
Abuses have grown up around inter-
collegiate athletics and are recognized
at all OF our larger universities" says
the Detroit Free Press, with the remark
that Columbia has broken the ice In
an effort to remedy some of them" The
Free Press offers the analysis Of the sit
uatton: 1.-THE Columbia plan Is expected
eventually to lead to the complete de-
commercialization Of athletics at that
institution: and if it is a success there
other universities are not unlikely to
adopt 1t. The essence Of 1t Is the put
ting of athletics in their proper place
with relation to other undergraduate
activities. VIII this take the zest out Of
intercollegiate contests? Wnl young
men from Morningside Heights here
after go into a scrimmage with Ithaca
with the same laggard step that takes
them to lecture on Sophocles? Once
they have adjusted themselves to the
new order they probably will not miss
the old"
Linking the action at Columbia with
the attitude at the University Of Penn
sylvania, the Newark Evening News pre-
diets that "the progress Of the expert
ments at these two colleges will be
watched with close attention by the
other colleges and sports followers gen.
orally" The News believes that "ths
glorifcation Of head coaches and the
million dollar gates have for years been
deplored by these who see in colleges
institutions basically intended for intel
lectual rather than physical training Of
young men and women" It states as
to the details of the new method to be
employed at Columbia: ITO take the
place of gate receipts the Butler plan
calls for an alumni subsidy through
permanent endowments, as has been
suggested before by the president, al
though no definite plan for amassing
such endowments Is framed. Coaches,
foot ball or other kinds, will under the
new plan have no different rank-or
emolument-from members Of the fac
ulty and will rank with them. This fea-
ture, OF course, is directed at foot ball
coaches in the main. The actual direc-
ton of athletic administration and
financing win be under the authority of
the trustees of the university through
an enlarged committee on athletics and
a director appointed by the president,
who will be affiliated with the depart
ment Of physical education, with fun
university standing.
Tt is pointed out by the Cleveland
Plain Dealer that this is not the first
time that the university on Morning
side Heights has shown q pioneering
spirit in athletics" for, q score Of years
ago, "it abolished foot ball entirely and
had the courage to keep It abolished for
some seasons in the face Of very strong
alumni and undergraduate protests"
The Plain Dealer suggests that 'if it
shows the same determination now 1t
may help to lead many Of its sister in
Commenting the courage displayed, that
paper AYERS: "Other colleges officially
bemoan the overemphasis upon ath-
letics, but continue to contribute to
that situation by employing coaches at
fancy salaries and allowing foot ball to
dominate the academic scene. Columbia
does something. Hereafter Cofumbia's
athletic budgets will be under the same
regulation as the financing that sup
ports the study of Latin and Greek.
Physical education and athletics will be
under the control OF the same officials.
Ultiuately gate recelpts are to be
abolished. The new Columbia system
looks promising, indeed. 1T requires
courage to inaugurate 1t. It viii require
more courage to follow through with it.
At The start 1t may very probah1H result
In many games dest and diu nishing