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Page 15 text:
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DIRECTOR GEORGE A. HUFF DEAN T. A. CLARK HE history of athletics at Illinois is rather brief, but it is a history of which she may well be proud. Throughout the country, whether she was winning or losing, Illinois has gained a reputation for clean, true sportsmanship which is worth more than mere winning. The 'Illinois spirit — the spirit of standing by the team through thick and thin, of supporting the men nobly whether the game be won or lost — this spirit has become almost a matter of course. Courteous treat- ment and a square deal for visiting teams, absence of dissention between students and faculty, a clean healthy spirit among the students — all these have been charac- teristic of athletics at Illinois. All this shows the influence of a strong, clean personality, and suggests how much it is possible for one man to do. Those who have given the matter consideration know that Director Huff is responsible for the athletic situation at Illinois. Mr. Huff is a true son of Illinois. He was born in Champaign and got his first ideas of baseball in watching the practice of the University students. He took to athletics readily. When he entered the University Academy in 1887 he attracted a good deal of attention by his skill in baseball, though it was not until 1889 that he made the team. He was at this time only sixteen years old, but he was the heaviest man on the team, though his weight did not seem in any way to interfere with his speed. His rapidity of action was marvelous. At various times he played in different positions. At first he was in the out field, but later was put at short stop. His work at first base and as catcher are, however, best remembered. He is without doubt the most brilliant baseball player Illinois has ever had, and she has not been lacking in brilliant players. In 1890 Illinois had her first football team, and Mr. Huff was practically the whole team. It was a sort of girls' game as played in those days, however, as compared with what it now is, and would have pleased the most enthusiastic lover of a safe sport. Mr. Huff himself tells the story of going into the first game wearing a derby hat, and of coming out of the struggle with his head-gear undamaged. During his connection with the University as a student he was a leader of athletic sports, but at the same time his work as a student was good. In 1893 he entered Dartmouth Medical School and was enrolled for four terms as a student of that institution. The Dartmouth faculty speak in the highest terms of his work as a student, and his athletic record is an unusual one. During both seasons he played on the college football team as guard, and in his first year he was made captain of the baseball team, on which he played first base. It is almost unheard of for a young western freshman to be elected to such a responsible athletic position, and it is simply a tribute to Mr. Huff's skill and personality. In 1895 Mr. Huff returned to Illinois and was elected to his present position. His ability as an athletic coach is recognized all over the country, and his sterling character has won for him the highest respect of students and faculty as well. His honesty, his fairness, his high ideals give to his work an influence for good which can not be measured. Illinois is proud of him.
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