Football Days - Memories of the Game and of the Men behind the Ball by William Hanford Edwards
page 160 of 403 (39%)
page 160 of 403 (39%)
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bigger and finer. I should rather have the right mold and put the right
stamp on a wholesome boy than to do any other thing. It counts more for the world and is more nearly immortal. It is worth any man's life." Another factor in the formation and development of college traditions and college spirit is the influence of the men who shape the athletic policy. When one of the graduates returns to direct the athletic affairs of his Alma Mater, or those of another college he naturally becomes a potent influence in the life of the students. Great is his opportunity for character making. The men all look up to him and the spirit of hero worship is present everywhere. Such athletic directors are chosen largely because of their success on the athletic field. And when one can combine athletic directorship with scholastic knowledge, the combination is doubly effective. By association they know the real spirit and patriotic sentiment of the college men. They appreciate the fact that success in athletics, like success in life, depends not merely upon training the head, but upon training the will. Huxley said that: "The true object of all education, was to develop ability to do the thing that ought to be done when it ought to be done, whether one felt like doing it or not." Prompt obedience to rules and regulations develop character and the athletic director becomes, therefore, one of the most important of college instructors. A boy may be a welcher in his classroom work, but when he gets out on the athletic field and meets the eye of a man who is |
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