The Phoenix index., 1940-05-11

Negro colleges with the proper training could well take
care OF themselves in any kind of competition.
The first reaction of the white press was total ndf-
terence when issued from the Tuskegee Relays that
Eerbe had the 100 yard dash seconds Several
Nordlc oomnsts openly expressed doubt to the reab
ity of the timers.
You may imagine then the magnificent service EIer-
be rendered southern Negro colleges class when the
next spring. he catapued past the tape in 9 seconds
capture the coveted Drake Relays 1O0-ya DASH
The column will never forget what "Old Timer" and o.
B. Keller, crack for local daily had to say of
that performance.
They admitted that, the previous spring, when they
read that Eerbe had the century the Tuskegee
lays in 95 seconds they full of msgivngs as
timing of the event and in the end laughed off the mat
Both columnists generously wrote that following FL
erbes great showing the Drake Relays they had no
tentative but to admit the timing at Tuskegee must be
liable after ALL
Naturally since that time, it's been altogether
changed viewpoint all the around But give Tuskegee
and Moze Eerbe credit They did the pioneer job in bring
ing the southern Negro college top recognition in track
liant conquess in two Penn Relays and two NCAA meets
He represented his country abroad the of 1888 and
won 20 OF II races He has appeared in many ma jor in
door meets He has been filmed at home and abroad
ing spectacular sprint victories Had the 1910 Oympad
not been cancelled because of the situation Eerbe
the strength of last years Penn and NCAA trumphs and
this years Penn Relays triumph would have been the
United States No. 1 dash, man. succeeding the immortal
Jesse Owens worlds fastest human and Olympic quadrupe
winner of 1886 who appeared in the Gate City recently
Since Eerbes trumphs stars of other sou Negro
colleges have also brought honor to the SIAC them
Joshua Williamson, Lloyd Thompson, Walter Farmer Ed
ward Cup; FlOrdas Norman Holmes who the Central
AAU 00yard dash in Milwaukee last spring. and the Tus
kegee girls track squad under Christine Petty form
member of the team and developer of Mable Smith Lott
Lula Hymes and other stars with ideal backgrounds The
latter have the National Womens AAU Track and
Field Championships for three straight years.
Joe Louis Williams Drake Relays shot put record of
81 feet inches in 1899 has not been surpassed Inter
esngy enough the STAG record set in Atlanta last spring
is superior to that mark Williams heave in the Gate City
81 feet, 3-4 inches.
The fourteenth annual Tuskegee Relays will be
off this week end in Alumni Bowl. Fourth oldest relay
carnival in the nation the classic this year. should set
attendance marks and there to believe that
many records will be shattered
STAG athletics have "arrived', Competition in the
past winters seventh annual basketball tournament the
keenest attendance set records gate receipts
the highest in history.
This me the Tuskegee Relays, like the STAG basket
ball meet destined to break all wind of records For
thing there is better track material out better coach
ing of the sport generally greater the part
of the FANS and increased incentive the part of the a
Ietes themselves the SIAC it has become possible
for lad grab himself much credit from basketball
and TRACK III football,
Playing its part in the rise of SIAC athletics and in