Cleveland High School - Beacon Yearbook (St Louis, MO)

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FENCING HREE hundred years have passed since D ' Artagnan, gallantly arrayed in his military armor, won fame and the hearts of his countrymen by the use of his sword. It was, however, during the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries that fencing was at its height. From then until the twentieth century it wit- nessed its decline. The modern school of fencing is based on the Spanish method of sword play. This method was introduced into Italy through the conquest of Sicily by the Spanish Bourbons, and into France by travelers from Spain. The Italians, who still use a long sword with a bellguard at the end, a form of the old Spanish rapier, have been considered as the strongest swords- men. The French, in accordance with their national character, have adopted a hghter and more supple sword. Their school is considered superior in respect to form and style. In these old countries the art of fencing has always been taught in the colleges and secondary schools on the same level as academic subjects. It is a common occurrence to hear a student of France speak of his course in escrime , as they term it. With the arrival of the present century fencing is slowly being revived in our country. Many fencing academies are being organized. It is an excellent sport because it develops poise and co-ordination of muscles as no other sport does. It is a very strenuous exercise; but when once learned, it can be practiced in the later years of life. It was not. as other combative sports, merely organized as a game, but was originally used as a means of self-defense. Hence, because of its lineage and because of its earnestness of purpose, fencing is a sport which still recalls the deeds of valor and high emprise of a more romantic era. Gertrude Bretscher. PJi Page Twenty-four

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RIFLE SHOOTING HO, upon hearing of rifles a few years ago. did not associate them with murder, robbery, and war? In recent years people have begun to think of them more kindly and are connecting them with sport rather than with death and horror. Rifle shooting as taught in modern high schools and colleges is absolutely non-militaristic and is directly opposed to crime. Although the rifleman need not be a perfect model of physical develop- ment, he must be able to co-ordinate eye, nerves, and muscles. And this co- ordination can only be obtained while in good health. Marksmanship is one of the finest sports in the world. Ever since David ' s encounter with Goliath it has appealed to young men. for many a boy has been thrilled by a tale of this youth who dared pit his marksmanship against a giant. Every country has a national sport and every climate a favorite pastime. but marksmanship is universal. The sport of shooting has been passed down to us through the ages. The protection of the weak against the wicked, or perhaps just the love of the hunt and a means of obtaining food, or the desire for mastery of a difficult art may have been sufficient incentives to make men and boys strive for expertness in the use of firearms. According to a tradition that goes back to Colonial days, we were once known as a nation of riflemen, because of our marksmanship with the rifle. This arm played a most important part in the history of our country. And it was the main dependence of the pioneers for food and for protection against Indians. But even in our early days the rifle was very much in evidence as a sporting weapon. The old Kentucky flintlock figured conspicuously in the community turkey shoots, and in many other competitions. At no time in our history have there been as many Americans engaged in the various forms of practice with the rifle as there are today. The game may be divided into three classes: large caliber shooting which is done at ranges from two hundred to one thousand yards: small-bore shooting, usually twenty- two caliber arms and ranges up to two hundred yards; and finally what is known as free-rifle shooting, in which the shooter is allowed to try his own hobbies and ideas of gun construction without restrictions. The alluring possibilities of target shooting are annually drawing to the sport more enthusiastic participants than the present range facilities v ' ill accom- modate. Many high schools and colleges are installing fully equipped indoor galleries in their basements and gymnasiums, and are encouraging the sport among their students. V, J, TiEFENBRUNN. Page Tivcnty-three s

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A MOTORBOAT RACE With Motors Roaring and the White Spray Flying HE levee, at St. Louis, was lined with people. Everyone was alert, watching motorboats that were in the Mississippi River tuning up. The people were climbing light-posts, while some were on the roofs of near-by buildings. All eyes were turned on five boats coming down the river, practically abreast. As the boats passed the official ' s barge. the report of a shot was heard, only to be drowned out by a tremendous roar as the boats sprang to life. A driver at the wheel of each little craft glanced from side to side, trying to avoid the rough spots in the water which might upset him. Down the river the boats went, increasing their speed at every turn of their propellers. The water immediately behind them was thrown up in a spray about four feet high. This for a while obscured the boats. As the drivers made the far turn, the leader hit an unusually high wave and turned over. The other boats avoided the craft in the water and continued on their way. The turnover is one of the ever-present menaces in this type of sport. When everyone saw that the driver of the ill-fated craft was safe, the crowd again followed the four remaining racers, who. by this time, had made the near-turn and were coming down the river for the final two hundred yards. As the winner shot over the finish line, his motor was cut immediately to a slow speed. The rest of the drivers did the same thing as they finished. When the boats had been returned to the dock, the tense features of the drivers were turned into smiles, as though they were glad to be out of their tricky little crafts and have at least one foot on the ground. Fr.ank Rumping. Page Twenty-five