Swimming Ranks As Favorite Fall Activity for 1943

Out of 12 fall sports open to Freshman, swimming was the most popular, according to Hygiene Department figure released last night. A total of 218 prospective mermen, about a quarter of the class, disported themselves three times a in the pool.

Tennis ranked as the second favorite, with 193 Yardlings braving the chill winds of autumn. The re-acquitters were only slightly more numerous than oarsmen, as 188 turned out for crew. There were actually more men on the Charles each day than on tennis courts, however, as 16 individuals chose to do their rowing in singles.

Football, with 71 participants, was nosed out for fourth place by soccer, which had a turnout of 73. Cross country, the other regular fall sport, took care of 24 runners, while 41 preferred track and 35 engaged in swordplay in the fencing room.

Competitions for managers counted as exercise for 14 Yardlings, and the remaining few of the 908 total participated in tumbling, lacrosse, and an indiscriminate, little-known activity known as "miscellaneous."