Commerce High School - Commerce Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

Page 78 text:

7fl

Page 77 text:

DEBATES. FTER the school had been in session about two months, a call for candi- dates for the debating team was issued. A large number responded, and it was evident that the school was very enthusiastic about the debating prospects. After a series of tryouts, the team was decided upon and immediately started to prepare for the coming debate. The first debate was held at East High School on January 10, 1913. Commerce had the affirmative and East the negative of the question: “Resolved, that the present immigration to the United States should be materially restricted.” Our school was represented by Henry Reich, Myron Griffiths, and Ralph Mullen, with Albert Mendelson as alternate. The judges rendered their decision two to one in favor of East High School. The result of this debate was a severe blow to our school. Former victories had combined to make the school entirely confident of the result, and it was a complete surprise to our school to find that we had been defeated. But having lost, the High School of Commerce accepted defeat without a murmur. The defeat spurred the team on to greater efforts in their preparation for the next debate. They at once settled down to hard work and it appeared that South High, our next opponent, would not have an easy task before them. They did not. The debate occurred March 21, at Commerce. Our school was represented by Ben Martin, Albert Mendelson, and Ralph Mullen, and Myron Griffiths as alternate. The question was one of national importance at the time: “Resolved, that American coastwise ships, when using the Panama Canal should be required to pay toll without countervailing exemption, rebate, or subsidy.” Commerce upheld the negative and South was completely outclassed. The decision was given unanimously in favor of Commerce, thus giving our school the honor of being the winner of the only debate won by a unanimous vote, this year. We’re still in the race for the cup! The school is extremely fortunate in having the services of such a coach as Mr. McMyler. To him is largely due the credit for Commerce’s many victories. We hope he may lead the Commerce debating teams of the future to many more victories. 75

Page 79 text:

ATHLETICS. WHEN school opened on the second Monday of September, the first thought in many minds was, are we going to have a football team? The Faculty deliberated; the Athletic Association scanned every possible phase. After careful study it was decided that we should not have a football team this year. Little material, not much time, and no suitable field for practice were obstacles too powerful to be encountered. The decision was a severe blow to -the Senior Athletes, but as conditions were, it would be impossible to turn out a winning team. School spirit seemed in danger, but as the call for basket-ball candidates arrived the old spirit began to show its usual vigor. The basket-ball team of the High School of Commerce enjoyed a profitable season. Seven of last year’s varsity were back in school, so prospects for a winning team were exceptionally bright. When Coach Evans issued a call for candidates, many aspirants responded, from which he built up the Varsity. The team was composed of Captain Weintraub and Broz, forwards. Russon, center, Zak and Lebowitz, guards, while ITilberer and Twitchell filled the utility positions. FACULTY. ' 1A HE first test of the season came when the varsity was pitted against a team composed of Faculty and Alumni members. It was played on Thursday, December 19, 1912, when the gym was crowded to its capacity. The game was very interesting and exciting from start to finish. It was the first, time the Faculty had been together this year; they knew they were in for a beating. The addition of George Leopold, however, to the Faculty squad was thought would strengthen them and cause some rivalry. Russon and Broz were the stars for the Varsity, while the good work of Coach Evans and George Leopold deserves mentioning. 77