Yard Intramurals

For well over a decade, the Yard athletic program has limped along like a nervous ghost, always threatening to sink dejectedly into a nearby grave, and rarely showing signs of purpose or composure. Freshmen have groaned through their regular grind in the gym, and perhaps played a game or two of pickup softball, but there has been no integrated inter-dormitory sports organization. Now, however, negotiations between Yard officials and the Athletic Association seem to promise well-arranged Freshman intramurals in the future.

The long-standing obligation to provide Freshman sports can only be fulfilled by a broad program. Modeled roughly after the extensive inter-House athletic system, it would be a simple way for Freshmen to work off the required weekly hours of physical training, and team competition will undoubtedly prove much more attractive than impersonalized gym classes. Existing athletic facilities should be able to take care of Yard intramurals with little strain. Even if extra supervisors and equipment are needed, it seems clear that a Freshman sports program deserves them.

Dissatisfied with their current athletic fare, many Freshmen have been watching the well-nourished inter-House sports program with envy. Yet the Houses, for all their advantages, have suffered from what in Freshman eyes must seem appalling apathy. Much of this lack of interest can be traced back to the Yard, from where all House residents come. Without a going sports setup to catch their interest, first-year men have formed non-athletic habits which they have carried like a plague to the Houses. But if a sound and attractive program can introduce Freshmen to the joys of softball, basketball, and other sports, they will be less inclined to pass blindly by the hopeful athletic notices posted on House bulletin boards.

The establishment of Yard intramurals should show results that improve with each year. Although Freshman interest in such a program is now high, officials who are mulling over plans should not expect the Class of '52 to usher in the golden age, just as they can hardly devise a foolproof scheme without some trial and error. But whatever system is finally decided upon, a fully-realized program of Yard sports will give new life to Freshman activities in general, as well as to inter-House athletics.