The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-10-21

N1dAlG kAdJZ, SUEIGlI-IODpeQ k1SDIcW who recently forsook the pro-fight game to fight for Uncle Sam, is one of the best liked physical di- rectors at the Mitchell Field Base Physical Office. in New York, ac- cording to Bob Werlich, sports writer of a Hampstead, L. I. daily who recently wrote a feature on the ex-Waterburian
 Here's what Bob penned
 He carries the worlds marathon running record on his broad shoulders but you would never know it un- less someone told you. That's Pvt. Max Katz, member of the Air Base Squardon and an athletic instructor in the Base Physical department.
 Red headed Max ran A miles in five hours and fifteen minutes back in 1899 to Top of full five minutes of the worlds record in that dis tance held by Pete Gruvuzza of France. The record still stands and Max is ready to defend 1t if any, one is interested in a race.
 Pvt. KatZ was born in Hamilton, Ontario, January 2, 1919 and lived there up until five years ago when recame to the states to find out what the Big City was like. He was so intrigued by it and the many other opportunities of the United States that he made his home here and then entered the Army last July.
 Long Career
 He started his athletic career while in grammer school. When he was eleven years old he won the city schools championship in the lo0-yard dash. The same year he was member of the 440-yard relay team that swept aside all competi- tion for the championship of On tario. This team won the title for the next three years. His grammar school athletics were not confined to running, however. He was a member of the schools basketball and handball teams. Tn the field he threw the shot, did a bit of broad jumping and high jumping.
 He continued his physical career at Caroline Collegiate which he at tended for year before entering Westdale High School. After enter ing Westdale he decided to settle down to studying but had to leave shortly to help support his family. It was after he left high school that he really took to marathon running in earnest. He had collected many cups and medals in five and six mile runs held while in school. But he wanted real distance. He began training with such famous Canadian and British runners as Johnny Miles and Joie Ray.
 First Run
 His first great run came in 1888 at Montreal. He finished fourth in field of 30 in a 20 mile grind. Shortly thereafter he went on to win a race over the same distance. Of his worlds record run he had little to say. You see, I have the grandest mother in the world and I'd do anything for her. Sine didn't want me to run distances claiming 1t was too hard on me. promised her that this race from Montreal to Hamilton would be my last for a while. She had always been some sort of a good luck charm to me. The night before the race I was supposed to go to bed early. In- stead I was up til midnight helping my mother clean the house and do other chores.
 'yfhe race Wag one of the most gFueiling things a man could go through. After about twenty miles my shoes began to stick to my feet. My legs got Into the rhythm of the run and just kept moving. h fact after crossed the finish line I had to be stopped. They cut the shoes from my feet and moved me to . hospital where. ! remained for Q week recovering from the ordeal Of the 32 men who began the race only seven finished. Yes, # anys one Is interested I'll run the diss tanee again"
 Boxing, Teo
 Coming to the United States Pvt, Katz spent a year in New York City and then moved to Conn. where he took ur boxing. He won hls first twelve bouts as an amateur and then turned pro. He won his first nine pro bouts before he was finally stopped. At the present time he has won 2T flights while losing Ave.
 Max is one Of the best liked mem. beFs on the Base Physieai office