Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1896 [PAGE 69]

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O a I niversity athlete of (he present day. w ith his well-equipped <j\ mn.'iHiim, athletic park, physical director and roach, a short description -»! things ;«| t h e \ writ- ifii yrars agn may not prove uninteresting, especially ;i- in iho-e days the organization existed and the plans were made which were in great measure responsible for the leading place the University now holds in athletics. No one class, or set of men, can of course claim all the credit: yet I may be pardoned if I rejoice that in my day the foundations were broadened, and considerable of the superstructure erected of the edifice, which today presents such an imposing appearance. In those days the gymnasium was in the second story of the Machinery Building. As to apparatus, there was enough to get along with, but no regular instructor. The classes were organized and led by several of the best athletes, who received some small return for their labors, in utter disregard or ignorance of the fart that they were thereby enrolled on the list of professionals. This was true, too, of boxing, which was at one time frowned out of the gymnasium by the Puritanical views of the powers, and forced to find a home in private rooms or on the campus. Out-door sports were in the hands of the Athletic Association, which had few members and no home. Its chattels were kept somewhere in the Chemical Building and the poor custodian was responsible for their preservation and for their production when needed. The principal event of the year was the annual Field Day, celebrated in May. (>n this day the usual events were contested, besides three-legged races, egg races and inter class tugs of war upon the turf. In this last t h e prize generally went to t h e class that displayed the greatest dexterity in digging holes and getting a brace. The county fair grounds was the scene of the contests ami the programme lasted all day, ending with a game of ball with a local nine or one from Illinois College, Knox or Monmouth. The prizes were articles of use or adornment dor nated by the merchants of the two towns. To these were added in 88 a money prize for breaking records, which was, of course, afterwards changed to a medal. As to foot ball, there was little of that, except an occasional game of drive, kick-about, or a class rush, or a rough-and-tumble game that bore a slight resemblance to tne Canadian game. There was an attempt made in \S7 to introduce the college game but sufficient interest could not be aroused. Lawn tennis found no place until '87 when a court was prepared in the south end of the campus. In my time it failed to gain popularity with any considerable number. There was somewhat of an awakening in the early part of '88. The apparatus in the gymnasium was getting dilapidated and the money with which to replace it was not forthcoming, so the Athletic Association took matters in hand. I t was decided to give a public exhibition in the opera house. After much planning and labor this was done and it was such a success that it was voted an annual event, the flame as Field Day. At this exhibition appeared a sextette, which I think may claim the honor of leading to the present Glee Club. This distinction may, however, belong to the Apollo Quartette. In this year also the college yell was born, thatquickener of college enthusiasm and necessary element of success. But its birth is another chapter. This year too, witnessed the entrance into the inter-collegiate association, which the University soon outgrew. n o l d afcDle *u 7? u ^ her present position is gratifying, and he is forced to remark tbM to her success in athletic* more than to any other reason is due the UnVa growth of the past six years. Long may her colors be triunmhant!

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