WAR DEPARTMENT PLANS TO INTRODUCE POLO IN COLLEGES

The probable formation of a polo team at the University under the auspices of the Field Artillery. Unit was the announcement given out yesterday by Captain R. F. C. Goetz, head of the Military Department. The fact that similar teams are being formed at Yale, Princeton, and other Eastern colleges adds considerable interest to this report, and it is not at all unlikely that intercollegiate matches will be arranged.

Captain Goetz's statement follows:

"Coupled with the plans of the War Department for a broader, more practical and highly efficient mental and physical development of its commissioned and enlisted personnel are recently issued orders directing that polo is to be promoted wherever possible in the service. Realizing the combination of mental and physical activity which polo requires of players, it is well designed, from the very nature of the game, to further the development of horsemanship, skill and daring. This plan, which every commanding officer is directed to immediately set in operation, has a special significance to colleges where units of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps are established, for polo, nationally, is undoubtedly one of the major sports, and is only limited in civil life to the expense incidental to maintaining ponies, equipment and playing fields.

Government to Supply Mounts.

"Where stable facilities and playing fields are available the government will furnish, as part of the authorized equipment, all the required mounts and accouterments. The ponies will be specially selected for having the necessary speed and hardiness. Equipment will include saddles, sticks, balls and helmets.

"In view of the fact that the largest eastern colleges now have units of the R.O.T.C., and particularly that Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Cornell have Field Artillery Units, the prospects for intercollegiate polo competition seems very promising. West Point has always had a cadet polo team, and they no doubt would welcome an opportunity to compete with other collages in all mounted sports. The matter of securing mounts and equipment has been officially taken up with the Adjutant-General of the Army, and on the receipt of necessary information steps will be taken towards organization a club and first and second teams for spring practice.

Skill in Horsemanship Prerequisite.

"Within the R. O. T. C. units sufficient skill in horsemanship and equitation will be required before members can become members of teams. This precaution is advisable in view of the mounted confidence which is such a vital necessity for good playing. On the arrival of the first equipment a few mounts now in the mounted detachment, though only poorly suited for team play, will be available for instruction and practice in hitting the ball."