University of Arkansas Fayetteville - Razorback Yearbook (Fayetteville, AR)

Page 12 text:

small one—for athletics, is not only a waste of money, but a positive detriment to the welfare of the students, argu¬ ing from the standpoint that too much energy spent in athletics would lead to a corresponding diminution of mental labor. It is true we have a very thorough course of military training, yet while drill develops some parts of the body it does not develop all as thoroughly as good training in athletics. Recognizing the position of the legislature on the subject of athletics, an association was formed in ’94 with a very respectable membership. Quarters were given them in the basement of the main building; a modest set of apparatus was bought and paid for by the members of the association, and things pros¬ pered for a while. Soon, however, interest began to wane; for the maintenance of the embryo gymnasium was a constant drain on the members, and now there is nothing more than a paper organization. In field ath¬ letics much interest is shown. In 1894 a good eleven was organized, and within a few months the team of ’94 did some very creditable work. The team of ’95 added three more games to the U. of A. record, and the one of ’96, after winning two games, was defeated by the Drury College team, whose men were thoroughly trained, and outweighed ours twenty pounds or more to the man. Base ball receives a fair share of attention, and, consider¬ ing the wretched condition of the campus, the ’varsity team has done some good work. The tennis club was organized in 1894, and of all the branches of athletics it is in the best condition. Here, again, the members had to “go down” into their pockets for money to buy the necessary apparatus. What we need is an appropriation of, say, any amount above $2,500. This we must have. It is to be hoped that the present assembly will wake up and realize that a gymnasium in the University will create a new spirit. It is necessary. It is vital ! 8