New London High School - Whaler Yearbook (New London, CT)

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BULKELEY NEWS Here with the other members of the ’03 track team, after a light breakfast he listened to the last caution of the trainer and then made for the scene of the struggle, Eton field. In the excitement of preparation he forgot his perplexity and entered into the spirit of the day. Already the field was filling with spectators, and the first call for the opening event had been issued. According to the programme the half-mile was to be run among the first races, but for some unknown reason it had been postponed until last. Tom heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing of this reprieve from misery. As point after point went to either of the rival classes the excitement became intense and it was evident that the contest would be the closest in years. Matters were brought to a crisis when a hitherto unknown from ’04 cleared five feet in the high jump, thus tieing the score. Not until the last call for the half-mile was made did Tom fully realize how Dame Fortune had played with him. Mechanically he took his place in the line of contestants and watched his pale but determined friend, digging his holes for the start. Now he realised what victory meant to Hetherington; not only the winning of the cup for his class but a place on the school team, and he best of all knew how Jack coverted such a position. He was aroused from his thoughts by the sharp words of the starter. Are you ready! Get your marks! Get set! The sharp crack of the pistol rang out, and seven white-clad figures leaped forward. When the din and excitement subsided Osborne was seen leading, with Hetherington close at his heels. After the first sprint for the rope Tom knew that he could run the race of his life, even for a moment he forgot the hated indecision in the very joy of such strenuous living. But it surged back again with added weight when he heard the soft pat of approaching footsteps 6

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bulkeley news Inlf-mile IRun §T was late one afternoon in May when Tom Osborne threw himself at the foot of one of the great elms, which surround the campus at Trents Hill. No great amount of penetration was needed to see that Tom was in trouble, if the way in which he wrinkled his forehead and tore at the turf with the toe of his running shoe was any index to his feelings. For years it had been the custom at Trents Hill to hold a class meet each spring in order to get a line on the material for the varsity team. Tom was the crack half-miler of the school, having won that event for the two previous years. But in this afternoon’s practice he had surpassed his former record, and now he knew that he was surer of first place than ever before. Strange to say this was just the cause of his trouble. Jack Hetherington, his chum, was a member of ’04, while he himself belonged to ’03. He realized that Jack could easily win the race if he were not entered, but possibly this might mean the loss of the meet to ’03. After a half hours thought, during which he accomplished the destruction of most of the turf in the vicinity Tom jumped to his feet and jogged off to the gymnasium to remove his running apparel. He determined to put the thought out of his head and leave the question to Dame Fortune for settlement. Accordingly, after supper he dodged his chum and retired early to his room. All night he tossed about in his bed; his troubles took the form of an imp, who squatted upon his chest and grinned, and tantalizingly evaded every effort at dislodgment. In the morning Osborne awoke from his restless slumbers with a start and hastily donning his clothes journeyed to the gym. 5

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bulkeley NEWS and knew that Hetherington was coming up. He settled down into his accustomed rhythmical stride and easily kept his lead. Then he looked the proposition square in the face. How could he win and amid the congratulations of his classmates look into the face of his defeated friend ? On the other hand, how could he disappoint the old class, already assured of victory, and let the prized cup go to their rivals? Up to this time he had been unconscious of the cheering multitude and the progress of the race. With a start he found himself swinging into the home stretch. In despair, he looked toward the tape, only sixty yards away; he glanced back at his chum straining in his last effort to win; then swallowing the lump in his throat and gritting his teeth, he---- Well, what would you have done? Debating Hates JL N January 19, the Debating Club held its first meet- I ft ing. The following officers were elected : J. Casey, y|j ’05, president; Fletcher, ’06, vice-president; Bond, ’06, secretary. A committee for the drawing up of the constitution was appointed, Small ’06, Soltz ’06, and Hull ’07 were chosen. A permanent committee for the choice of subjects, consisting of Mendelsohn ’06, Waterman ’06, and Goldsmith ’06 was also chosen. Prof. Brightman represented the Faculty at this meeting, and under his direction it was conducted. The club decided to meet bi-weekly, on Friday evenings The second meeting took place on February 2. The constitution was read by articles and ratified in the same manner. The matter of the manner of choosing debaters was brought before the club, and after much discussion it 7