The Washington times., 1938-02-09

GerQdy WdSIlu1SCOu AAA4eS e4R
ouently attests the interest OF
the public in college sports.
More than that. the support
gathered by Representative Ran
dolph in his sincere effort to
liberate colleges from commits
sion rule and the taxation at
tending, is ample testimonial OF
the public's confidence in our
colleges and universities to gov
ern their sports in efficient, safe
and ethical manner.
Representative R I'd olph
strikes primarily on behalf OF col
lege boxing, but his campaign is
of far greater scope than its pri-
mary objective might indicate
at first sight. Those who inter
pret intent behind action see him
moving to establish the complete
autonomy of college sports.
If the government of the Dis
trict of Columbia, or any State
or municipal government sought
to extend it's control Of extra
curricular activities in schools,
colleges or universities, it might,
by invoking precedent, enact
laws giving it control over foot
ball, baseball and other sports.
Taxation incidental to such con-
troll would be intolerable, it was
stated today.
BERGMAN BACKS RANDOLPH
One of the leaders in support
of Representative Randolph's op-
position to commission control
of boxing, is Arthur j. Dutch"
Bergman, athletic director OF
Catholic University. Catholic
University maintained boxing on
its athletic program for ten
years before professional boxing
was legalized in the District OF
Columbia. Under the rigid super
vision maintained by the uni
versity authorities, no untoward
incident marred the conduct OF
the sport.
I'VE feel that colleges play no
part, and share no part in the
promotion of profes S i n a !
sports" said Bergman, whether
it be baseball, football, boxing
or any other form of athletic
activity.
"All the universities and col
leges supervise all branches OF
sports in their respective cur"
ricula, and have proved beyond
argument through their respec-
tive groups, as well as through
the public at large, that they are
able to serve efficiently. There
is no need to place college sports
under the jurisdiction of any
district, city or State commits
sion"
Catholic University inaugu-
rated boxing in the winter Of
1924 and '25. Without benefit Of
commission guidance, records
showed. it supervised the sport,
and conducted its programs
without injury to a single con.
testant. Catholic University
spent in excess of $1,000 promot-
ing boxing and stimulating in
tereSt in the sport, looking to
nothing but the enhancement
Of a clean and healthy athletic
activity.
Dr.. Robert E. Moran, one Of
Washington's foremost physi-
clans. was one of the examining
board serving Catholic Univer.
sity in connection with its box
ing programs. DR.. William F..
Greaney, now acting as exam
tner for the District Boxing
Commission, is another local
physician who certified the
physical fitness of contestants
at the Brookland School.
BEYOND REQUIREMENTS
Beyond examinations on box
ing nights, all students report
ing for any school must undergo
medical examinations. Ring
padding at Catholic University
Is heavier than the local law re-
quireS.
Col. Heinie Miller, present sec
retary of the District Boxing
Commission, was one of the
referees who officiated at the
Catholic University bouts. Denny
Hughes, now serving as a com
mission referee, was another
Only men of highest qualifica
tions were permitted to officiate
as the safety Of the boys wa!
guarded to the last extreme.
Bergman pointed out tina
colleges throughout the lanC
realized the possibility of dan
ger to contestants in permitting
tournament-hardened boys t.
compete against less experi
enced rivals. The tendency i
to disbar ther from teams.
When it is clearly shown tina
O representative university o
Catholic University's standin
can show a record of 10 years
conduct Of sport when boxin
was without the pale of tn
law, the argument against CON
mission jurisdiction may easil
be supported.