Athletic Sports (extract)

The Physical Proportions of the Typical Matt ning, rowing, ball-playing, etc., system­ atically without a hope of becoming mem­ bers of the "crew," nine," or " eleven." "No chance for the prize " isconsidered a laudable excuse for neglecting many ad­ mirable exercises,such as sparring, fencing, and jumping. In consequence of this erroneous idea as to the ultimate object for which all sports are encouraged, a small portion of the community are overdoing the practice of these valuable adjuncts to health and edu­ cation, while the vast majority are not availing themselves of their advantages. In fact, the importance of winning an ath­ letic victory is becoming so exaggerated in the minds of many young men, that some of them have already resorted to unscru­ pulous methods as a means to the much- desired end. Many men fail to realize that the real value of athletics is in the preparatory training, not in the contest or in the prize. Long before the day of trial, unseen forces are at work building up a structure fit to stand the test and to make a noble effort for the victory. Whether the coveted prize be won or lost is of little importance compared to the prize in shape of an im­ proved physique already in possession of