The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-11-23
Reduced Football Receipts This
Fall Make CurtaiIment
Necessary

been carrying these many years seems
certain of being sharply reduced when
Big Ten faculty athletic committee
members and athletic directors meet
in Chicago Dec. 3.
Although receipts, on the average,
apparently were only little less than
last season, the 1881 figures were off
about 40 per cent of those of 1927 the
peak financial year in western con-
ference football. With little or no
profit being turned up, the burden Of
carrying minor sports, intramural
programs and women's athletic &C
tivitieS, in addition to the regular ma
jor schedules, is becoming too much
for football.
Major John L. Griffith, Big Ten
athletic commissioner, Wednesday
said the annual meeting would be de-
voted to finding ways and means Of
cutting expenses.
Stadia Not Paid For
Major Griffith pointed out that
football receipts of 1881 and what is
expected of 1882, are about the same
as in 1923, era of ne stadia building
in the middlewest, most of the huge
plants are not yet paid for, and foot
ball must keep its money to pay its
own debts, leaving the lesser sports
without help from their generous big
brother.
Reports from member institutions
indicate all minor sports programs
may be dropped. Purdue. Indiana.
Iowa and Wisconsin sharply curtailed
their minor sports schedules last year,
and football receipts this year prob
ably were not enough to stand the eX-
penSeS of restoring them.
Wisconsin figures it's receipts at
! about $4,000 less than required. Pur-
due, with a bang-up team that fin
ished runner-up to the champion
| Michigan eleven, took in about $780,
900 more than last year, which, how
ever, still leaves deficit. Indiana's
report was not complete Wednesday,
but there was little hope there would
be money enough to restore minor
sports.
SPTS ADD Minor Sports (24-3)
Athletic Director George Huff Of
the University of Illinois announced
six sports would be dropped as the
result Of meager receipts from grid
iron engagements. 1t was estimated
Illinois took in about half of last
years net, which was Sl45,00O.
Reports from the other members
were not complete. but Ohio State Of
ficials said it would be impossible to
cut their program any more. The
Buckeyes may not send a team to
the annual Pennsylvania relay games.
and the baseball team must play three
or more games per trip instead of one,
No out-of-town engagements have
been scheduled for minor sports
teams.
Minnesota Better Off
! At Minnesota, Athletic Director
Frank Mccormick said receipts were
we'll under budget estimates, but that
the Gophers could manage to MAIN
tain a full program by reducing oper-
ating expenses. Michigan. with a
championship team, played to only
4,7C0 fewer customers than year ago,
and no plans have been made to cur
tail the biggest athletic program in
the Middle West.
Chicagos report was written in red
ink, but no curtailment was expected.
Northwestern estimated its receipts at
about $4,000 less than anticipated,
but still had hope of maintaining a
full program.
It is likely an invitation to Mich
igan to play in the annual Rose Bowl
game at Pasadena, Calf, should the
Wolverines receive one, would be CIV
en- unusual consideration in spite OF
the conference rule against such con-
tests. The game probably would prove
a great attraction. and a share OF the
profits would help tremendously in
operating the big system at Ann Ar
Dor.