Valparaiso High School - Valenian Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL 19 I IN MEMORIAM I t() I Old Mr. V. H. S. Building who departed from our midst in the fall of 1902. HAMLET DOWN-TO-DATE.

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21 HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL ATHLETICS. Through the timely efforts of the faculty the V. H. S. has taken on a “Modern Reformation.” The effect has been prominent in the Oratorical field and still more no- ticeable in Athletics. It was a cluster of anxious countenances that assembled one evening to the call of our superintendent, supposedly for the purpose of receiving a serious lecture on moral con- duct. Great was the mingled joy and consternation of the boys when the good secret, that Mr. Hughart held, was re- vealed. It was indeed an interesting one, as it especially appealed to the wishes of the entire assembly. A Track Team was the subject for discussion. Could we be the organizers of such a delightful and beneficial sport? Could we contest on the field of battle the efficiently trained high schools of Porter county and keep up the level of Valpos sports? A hasty decision might be later termed as a blunder, so it was thought expedient that the decision should be postponed for deliberation. The ensuing night the question was brought to a vote. What was the result? Was there anyone so rash as to manifest a “nay?” If there was, his voice must have been cracked and the support of the good cause may be termed unanimous. “Track Team” was the topic for discussion on the street corners for a few days. The trend of thought in every conversation could be traced to the above named sport. The team was yet to organize. Who were to be its officers? At a later meeting it was decided that Gordon Durand should assume the responsibility as captain and Wood Wilson should serve cojointly as secretary and treasurer. Now came the difficulty. Cash was to be raised. Were we to look abroad? No, a uniiorm tax was placed on all the boys, with which to purchase our implements of war- fare. We now retreated to the fair grounds and were enshrouded in deep mystery for a short time. After about a week’s crude practice, our condition was certainly critical. No definite end was looked to. Enthu- siasm was lacking. A business meeting was called and a private council was held. What could we do to stimulate the actions of the team? It was at this meeting that the most potent factor in our early history expressed his sympathy with our work.