SEES BIG INTEREST IN SOUTH AMERICAN SPORTS

"In the Olympics this year no South American country will be represented by a team which will be a real menace to the chances of the United States," was the comment of Mr. Jess Hopkins, a distinguished visitor at the University yesterday when interviewed by a CRIMSON reporter.

Mr. Hopkins is director and supervisor of athletics in South America, working particularly under the auspices of the Y. M. C. A., but being affiliated with other organizations interested in the development of athletic programs. He is at present in this country engaged in securing several experienced men to take positions of responsibility in Physical education work in South America, before going to Paris in his official capacity, to witness the Olympics this summer.

See Intense Interest in Athletics

"There is an intense interest in athletics in South America, and four countries have made unusually large appropriations to defray expenses of their various athletes. There nations are Argentine. Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Argentine will send several sprinters who have made very creditable showings this year, and Chile has distance runners who will press even our great De Mar, and the Finns. Sports in the South American countries are receiving much attention, and individual performances occasion unusual outbursts of enthusiasm throughout the various countries.

American Coach in Argentine

"F W. Dickens, located in Buenos Aires, is coaching the Argentine athletes, and, being a graduate of Springfield College, is doing it along American lines. There has been no official Olympic director appointed, but he is carrying on the work, and obtaining gratifying results. He has been especially successful in instigating high ideals in connection with training--a goal not realized, by previous men identified with coaching South American athletes."

Questioned regarding the revival of boxing in South America, and the evident adulation accorded Firpo after his meteor-like rise in American boxing circles, Mr. Hopkins declared that much of Firpo's popularity has vanished after his humiliating defeat by the American champion.

"The people of the Argentine have never forgiven him form even considering taking out naturalization papers and becoming an American citizen," said Mr. Hopkins. "His, defeat reacted against him also. There is little doubt in my mind that he has permanently severed his connection with the ring.

Says Firpo Gave Impetus to Boxing

"There is no doubt, however that his phenomenal success and rise from total obscurity to the foremost place in the boxing world has given to boxing a tremendous impetus in South America. I look to see several representatives from the southern hemisphere come to the United States in the near future, and while they may not occasion the world-wide interest which came to Firpo they will make apparent that in the future their countries must be considered as providing formidable antagonists which may, in time, even threaten the undoubted supremacy of the United Stated in this sport."