Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 266, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 November 1919 — Doughboys Have Learned Benefits of Athletics Must be Shared by All [ARTICLE]

Doughboys Have Learned Benefits of Athletics Must be Shared by All

By J. A. PIPAL

A. E. E. Athletic Coach

The first effect of war on athletics was registered when our military examiner discovered that from 33 to .50 per cent of the recruits were found wanting in the physical test, set for them by'Uncle Sam. Fortunately for us, however, we have learned that the fault was not with our methods of physical education and athletics but in the lack of an organization and a system that would bring our athletic methods into more general use. . 12 _—_ The result of Uncle Sam’s “athletics for program-was that our doughboy caught the .spirit of play and vigorous competition and entered into the athletic cofitests and recreational games with thorough enjoyment. He developed from a slab-sided, stoop-shouldered, hollow-chested and meager or flabby-muscled youth into a vigorous, well-set-up, welldeveloped, self-respecting young man “raring to go.” And when this young man did go over jt’he fop he did it in such a masterly way that the European world is still marveling at his adaptability. - And the interesting thing about it. is that our allies so generally attribute a large share of our military success as fighters to our athletic program that several of them have already asked for our experts to introduce games and athletic methods into their armies and also their school systems. . This history-making athlete, having in mind the benefits he derived from his athletic opportunity while in the army, will demand the same opportunity in civilian life, and especially for his progeny. Thus the after effects of war on athletics will be a strenuous demand for a system and an'organization in our schools, colleges; industrial centers and communities in general that will make it possible for the benefits of recreational and competitive athletics to be shared by all.