Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1918 — ATHLETICS ARE NOT HURTFUL [ARTICLE]

ATHLETICS ARE NOT HURTFUL

Head of Department of Physical Education Announces Statistics He Had Collected. Trt order to ascertain the after-ef-fects of college athletics upon students, Dr. James Naismlth, head of the department of physical education at the University of Kansas, has announced statistics compiled after extended correspondence with former athletes. In securing his figures, Dr. Naismlth sent his inquiries to football players on teams prior to 1907, believing these men should by this time be able to detect any after-effects of the game. The - questions were sent to football men, as that game, he considered the most violent of college sports. To the question, "What injuries did you suffer while playing football?” 40 of the 85 replies stated they had received none. The other 45 answered that sprained ankles, broken noses and sprained knees were their common afflictions. All but six stated they had completely recovered from their injuries. . None was reported seriously incapacitated from their participation in the game. The valuation placed on the personal benefits received from the game varied greatly, although increased physical development headed the list. Among the other benefits derived were: Self-control, rapid judgment, wide acquaintance, determination and courage.