FRESHMAN ATHLETICS.

Compulsory athletics for Freshmen is proving successful. Several reports made by Mr. Geer have shown that over two-thirds of the members of 1923 have participated in outside games and that organized sports have received a distinct impetus from the new system.

One of the most important objects of compulsory physical training is to interest Freshmen in some form of outdoor sport. Exercise in a gymnasium is good, but is does not fill the place of a competitive game played in the open air. Mere development of the muscles during one year is not what is wanted; a real interest must be aroused so that men will regard their exercise not as an unpleasant task required of them, but as a real pleasure which they will continue throughout their college course.

The only flaw in the system, as we see it, is that nearly one-third of the men are taking indoor exercise. If all Freshmen were required to partake in outdoor sports during the autumn and spring months, and during the winter months only were permitted the alternative of gymnasium work, then the dangers of their confining themselves entirely to the gymnasium would be obviated.