Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 January 1920 — MIDDIES MUST KNOW VARIOUS ATHLETICS [ARTICLE]

MIDDIES MUST KNOW VARIOUS ATHLETICS

The Npval academy is probably the only collegiate institution in the world which.has a course of athletics rp-. quiring every student to participate in all the sports in general vogue. The first class to observe this rule includes the 700 members of. the new fourth class. *' The academy officials believe thoroughly in competitive athletics as a physique and character builder and an aid to discipline. Moreover, since athletics has taken such a big place in the navy at large, it Is considered desirable to send from the academy officers competept to handle sports in all phases at the stations and on the ships. The course is also being arranged with the special idea, of inculcating ability to command team play., v .... ' The system has been inaugurated through the initiative of Commander Douglas L. Howard, athletic officer, and Lieut. Commander W. A. Richardson, gymnasium officer .and assistant athletic officer. A strong effort 1 s be-. ing made to improve the posityin and increase the pay of the instructors of athletics. s • The schedule for the midshipmen is progressive in nature. In such sports as baseball, football, basket ball, crosse and rowing thorough knowledge of the rules and ethics is required and actual participation in each of them for a certain time, the more expert going to the regular squad<Jn these branches. / - '