Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-06-15

Maryland Change
Accepted Quietly
BY STEVE cUBAcK

WHEN THE PHONE RANG the other day at Jim
Kehoes house there need for the University of
Maryland track coach to brace himself before answering
None of the calls happily for him. They we're for
other members of his family which meant that business
was proceeding as usual
In the weeks most significant development hereabous
on the collegiate 'front.' Kehoe announced the signing of
Bill Dickerson, Splinter hurdler from Farmont Heights
High School He is the Terps first Negro track prospect
More historically he also is the first Negro actively re-
crued and signed by Atlantic Coast Conference school
The reaction Kehoe has encountered since then has
been unanimously favorable and moderate he reports
The only comments he has received have come through
his normal contacts which, incidentally have extended
beyond the campus in recent days into various sections
of the State.
This is highly encouraging and may illustrate the
real wisdom in the unverstys modern but thoughtful
recruiting policy Since deciding two years ago to break
the color barrier ahetcay the university has proceeded
slowly but surely 1t has won respect by going neither
too fast nor too slowly.
THE TERPs MAJOR AIM, after once deciding to take
the STEP has been directed toward attracting the proper
combination Of Negro sudent-athlete Wisely emphasis
has been placed almost entirely on area talent
AS far as is known the Terps have gone hunting
outside the immediate only once The object was
Benny Blocker, 6-foot-4 210-pound Negro back from
Lancaster, s. c, who comes equipped with gee-whiz
reputation as passerrunner and a student Quietly
and without fanfare Blocker visited the Maryland campus
suasve powers Of Woody Hayes and signed to attend Ohio
State
The Terps also expressed lively interest in Norman
Neverson the outstanding end from Roosevelt High who
has signed grant-in-ad at George Washington II is
known that two other Negro athletes tackle and
hafback considered keeny until Just recently
when nal-semeser grades dropped them below the min
imum academic entrance requirements Negro tennis
player from school may still wind up at College
Park before September
So
THIS BRINGS DEVELOPMENTS more or less up-to-
date at Maryland. There still remains the question of
what difficulties any, will be encountered when the
Terps play elsewhere
There should be no problems in track The ACC out
door meet next will be held at College Park which
obviously answers that The indoor meet will be held at
Chapel HILL and oddly enough Negroes have participated
in the indoor freshman division before Kehoe recalls
several competing without fanfare incident for NJ
State a few years ago.
The real question is supposed 10 arise In football in
South Carolina but there encouraging signs that may
preclude any call Of alarm the test comes will come
early Marylands gridders play at Columbia, s. c.. Sep
TENDER 49, and by then the Terps will have Daryl HILL
the Negro halfback transfer from Navy, probable
starter. No Negro has competed in South Carolina
against either OF Its two major State universities.
COMMISSIONER JIM WEAVER for one said again
today that he anticipates difficulties and he seemed
particularly firm this time the matter Conditions have
changed Negro student already has completed full
semester at Clemson without incident
One source indicated that Maryland already has
assurances from all ACC schools that Its complete squad
will be welcomed anywhere in the conference Although
no one in authority admits such agree
ment IL may be significant that there no longer is any
talk Of transferring the Terps grid games at South Caro-
lima and Clemson TO sites elsewhere
There is even more revealing clue. Season ticket
sales have begun.