THE ATHLETIC WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 17543, 24 December 1920, Page 4

THE ATHLETIC WORLD

[Froji Guii London Correspondent.] November 4. ATHLETIC PROGRESS'. The need for progressive ideas in the athletic world has frequently been advocated in these notes if we arc to hold our own in future Olympic Games. It is therefore very satisfactory to be able to stale that the Oxford and Cambridge University athletic authorities have decided on certain reforms and steps which must lead to improvement. One noticed during the Olympic Games at Antwerp that our two premier 'Varsities arc fortunate in having two very keen enthusiasts in P. J. Bilker (Cambridge) and Lieutenantcolonel Arnold Jackson, "D.S.O. (Oxford)- n-s advisors. These two sportsmen fully recognise the value- which international contests accomplish, and they were, prime movers in the visit of the Oxford and Cambridge relay team to Pennsylvania University last spring, and also in getting up the British Empire v. U.S.A. relay vnee-ting in September. In addition to tho two gentlemen named, Messrs Butler (of Cambridge) and Basil Rudd (of Oxford), with other enthusiasts, arc determnied to sp.tre no effort to advance with the times, and it has not surprised the writer to hear of- the coming innovations concerning athletics at Oxford and Cambridge. AN .ALTERED PROGRAMME. For some years past the Oxford v. Cambridge sports programme has consisted of ten events. This is hardly satisfactory when wins only count, and it is now prop'osed to introduce an odd event. It will probably be a 220 yds sprint, whilst further alterations contemplated are the substitution of the pole vault and javelin throwing events in place of the shot putting and hammer throwing. An odd event will certainly be an improvement and lessen the prospects of a tie, but a further change than this is necessary. The greatest good would be accomplished by altering tho method of scoring, making it a matter of points instead of " firsts " only. Under the present system tho athletes have no incentive save to win; but if points were awarded for the first three- we should see keen racing for second and third places, as well as for first. A RKLAY MEETi-NG. The most satisfactory step taken by the university sportsmen is the decision to hold an annua! relay race meeting between Oxford and Cambridge. Several races are to bo decided," in which four me"n from each university will compete. Probably the distance will be at half a mile, ono mile, two miles, four miles, and 440 yds hurdles. The flat races will give ■ the furlong, quarter, half, and milers a chance. The distances of the hurdles race is a mistake, and it would be better,to extend it to a mile, so that each member of the team would run a "quarter." It is proposed to hold the initial meeting at Queen's Club early in December, and this is the one "fly in'the ointment."' Athletes cannot do themselves justice dxiring cold and damp weather, and university athletics in England will never reach the proper standard until the big fixtures are decided during the proper months, which are from May to September. Tho mter'varsity relay meeting is a decided step, and it is to be hoped it will load to further activity on similar lines. Corresponding meetings among tho big public schools would be excellent, and tho Amateur Athletic Association might also profit by the example and promote a relay championship meeting for club teams. PROMISING- OXFORD RUNNBKS. More important happenings in connection with 'varsity athletics may be referred to. When J. H. Dickinson, of Jesus College, won the senior cross-country eight miles at Oxford in 45min ISs-ec the enthusiasts were delighted, and predicted that a great supporter for I E. H. Montague had 'been discovered. A day later, however, this fine performance was put in 'the shade by N. A. 'M'lnnes, who won the freshmans' race by a quarter of a mile, lus time_ being 43se'c faster than accomplished by tho senior winner. This suggests that M'lnnes is a runner out of tho ordinary, and possibly he will prove to be the " find" we have been looking for. Britain safllv wants a real champion long-distance runner, and the future of the Oxford man will be watched with great interest. * v UNIVERSITY ATHLETES.

The result of the freshmen's and senior sports at Oxford University recently bring homo to one how, very international athletics have become at this seat of learning.,- We have to thank the late Cecil Cecil Rhodes for a great deal of this, the scholarships he founded having brought many fine overseas sportsmen to the old town in Oxfordshire. '• Naturally the comicgling ov fine round sportsmen from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa with runners, swimmers, boxers, cricketers, footballers, oarsmou, ana other sportsmen of the British Isles must tend to a broadening of outlook on all sides. Apart from this benefit to character there is a distinct gain in the sporting world. That British athletes must learn some'tbinsj from seeing talented Americans taking part in hurdle races, jumping events, shot putting, hammer throwing, etc., is quite certain. On the other hand, it is admitted by Americans that they have learnt much about long-distance running from British athletes. /This is excellent, and when we see athletes from all parts of the Empire with cracks from the United States, meeting (he home men at Oxford it makes one hope° ful that the great spread of. international sport since the revival of tho Olympic Game in 1896 will continue. THE ACHILLES CLUB.

The activity of the Achilles Club means much in the woi*d of athletics. As, most sportsmen will recall, the organisation is composed of Oxford and Cambridge sportsmen", and it promises to till a long-felt wantby keening Dark and Ligiit Blues"interested in athletes after they have left their 'var sity. In this it corresponds with the Lean der Boat Club, which is recruited from Ox ford and Cambridge oarsmen. The great success gained by the Achilies Club in organising and carrying through the British Empire v. United States relay meeting in September has encouraged tho' club to launcn out in the cross-country world, and two notable ventures are announced.

First of all we are promised a visit front a Cornell University cross-country team in the very near future, the purpose of the American being to try conclusions with the Oxford and Cambridge runners over the Roehampton course, the scene of the annuai inter'varsity race. It hardly seems quitefair to the visitors that they oppose the combined strength of Oxford and Cambridge, and a better sporting match would hare been- a three-coniered one. However, the main thing is the visit of the Cornell men. which marks still another stride in international athletic fray between American and British cracks.. "•

The second important venture by the Achilles executive is the intention to enter a team for tho-national cross-country championship. Though the 'varsity runners may not. posssss a winning chance', their suppon. will help the game among Oxford and Cambridge athletes. What keen sportsmen have long since recognised is that EngJand will never be properly represented in international athletics until the university element take a strong line. They have 'the necessary time and opportunities, whilst thi average civilian athlete is handicapped nw forced to do his training after a dav's workin office, factory, Undoubtedly one great reason ior the success of (he United States_ in international athletic fray is the splendid way college men support athletics in America, and the object, lesson makes one honefu! that the-activity of the Achilles Clnb in Ensland will lead "to much good.