Athletic Training

I I t Vlll PREFACE experience as coach a man is bound to have handled a great many athletes. My present system of training boys and young men is the result of what I learned in this way dur– ing my lifetime." The foregoing statement admirably ex– plains Mr. Murphy's method of work. · He made the most exhaustive study of every event on the track and field programme. Being gifted with a rare understanding of human nature, he had a wonderful influence over every boy he trained. He was constantly on the outlook to discover some new method or device which would add to the skill of the human body. This relentless search for knowledge led him to take a two-years course in medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsyl– vania when he trained the athletes of that institution. More than one physician has testified to the fact that Mr. Murphy knew the human body, its possibilities and needs, as well as they themselves. Although his knowledge ranged from track athletics to all kinds of sports, including football and base– ball, his best efforts were shown in the de-