St Xavier College - Xaverian Yearbook (Cincinnati, OH)

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The Varsity F00tball Squad HE question is often asked by people outside of scholastic circles just why football is the national college game How is it that neither baseball nor basket ball rival it in popularity? We shall not try to answer a question that would probably bring to light a hundred different reasons from as many authorities. But it is certaih that football is a big factor in American college and university life, that it reflects credit on these institutions; for they have developed it into the splendid game that it is today. In our own team of the year past we have a typical exponent of fast, clever football. St. Xavier unfurled her colors above a truly representative varsity squad in 1924. It was composed of men who went the limit and beyond the limit to win their games; men who played clean football and played it well. It is true that they lost the majority of their battles; but they lost in a style that merited admir- ation in enemy ranks and strengthened the reputation that has always belonged to old Xaviereher sons are gentlemen as well as athletes. In early fall a group of gridiron performers gathered on Cnrcuran Field They were not inexperienced, but they had never played together in the same combination. Yet, from this number, Coach Meyer built up a machine that work- ed in efficient style through the last half of its schedule, And the final curtain dropped on as neat and brainy a crew as has ever defended the blue and white. When the 1925 season makes its debut, we can hope to see a team in action that has been strengthened by spring practice and confidence in its own ability, ea vital element that was missing in the early games last year. And whether or not this is the time and place to pledge our faith, we want our football men to know that we believe in them heart and soul, that we shall give them our un- stinted support as an appreciation of their efforts to increase the glory of our school. Page One Hundred Fifty-twn

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WM. KNECHT Capt. 1924-25 GEO. REYNOLDS Capt. Elect 1925-26 Page One Hundred Fifty-one

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Coaches Meyer and Mayl E were fortunate this year in still having with us Coach Joe Meyer and we were further fortunate in that he was able to obtain as his assistant Gene Mayl, late of Notre Dame. of Joe Meyer much has been said in the past, in his praisei However, more is always in order. He has been with us for five years and everyone knows him. They know him as a coach who has done much for St. Xavier. Coming here when athletics were at a low ebb, when St. Xavieris prestige was nil, he took charge and through hard work and ability, he built up each sport until now the college is represented by capable teams which have had their fuil measure of succeSS. The stadium, and the fine condition of the football and base- ball fields, and the tennis courts are in a great measure due to his eiforts. The system of athletics which he has established here seems destined for success. May he stay with us to share it, Assistant Coach Gene May! came with the inception of the football season, and left with the close of it. But during the short time he was here he created quite an impression. He gave to the line whose charge he undertook, a strength which no St. Xavier line had ever before possessed. He hails from Notre Dame where he played end on the crack outfit of 1923. He was: a law student there, and after the close of the season, on Thanksgiving, he departed for Dayton to take up the practice of his profession. We regret that he could not have remained with us longer, for he was a good coach and a real fellow. Luck to him in law. Meyers and May! having nothing but green, raw material to start with, by the time the season had neared completion had a fast and clever team dashing on the gridiron, which indeed bids fair to make :1 name for itself next Fall. Page One Hundred Fifty-three