NEED OF SUPPORT

In the Dark Ages before any of the undergraduates now in College knew that Harvard existed the University football teams tasted defeat year after year. The numbers at the games were small and unenthusiastic, and the Crimson supporters regarded football as a necessary evil among sports. Suddenly there came a change. Football was transformed into the most highly organized of all college activities. Certain prominent graduates interested themselves in the development of an efficient system of coaching, and immediately increased numbers of undergraduates responded to the call for candidates when they realized that their efforts would receive the attention they deserved. Much to the surprise of those who were ignorant of the reorganization, Harvard football teams began to win championships.

The track team at present is in a predicament similar to the one just described. Nothing more than a live interest on the part of both undergraduates and graduates is needed to obviate the present difficulties. No other sport gives one so many thrills or has such moments of tense excitement as track. Whether it is an indoor meet or the intercollegiates at the Stadium, the spectators are assured at least one heart-breaking finish or a battle royal between two pole-vaulters. The imperative need today is a greater and more active support for the team. There are plenty of point-winners in College who would be eager to report for practice if only their sacrifices and efforts would be appreciated. A victory over Yale in May and victories every year are certainties, providing each individual remembers that Harvard has a track team and that its success requires his personal interest in its activities. The immediate call is for graduate and undergraduate support.