January 19, 1946

Mr. Paul G. Wurtz
Pe QO. Box 66
Paxico, Kansas

Dear —

. Answering your recent communication, I am happy to
answer your query.

I agree with you, sir, that the boy should not sit or |
lie on the floor, If they sit, the abdomen muscles are cramped and —
there is interference in breathing due to a cramping of the diaphragm.
If they lie down, they are subject to drafts on the cold floor, If
they lie on their abdomen, there is a stretching of the neck muscles
of the upper thoracic area, which does not permit free breathing. If
they lie on their back, the blood rushes to their head, unless they
prop their head up somewhat. I do not permit them to stand, but have
them rest on one knee, with an arm on the bended knee, which rests |
the entire body and pe-mits Bree breathinge By having one knee on the
floor and the foot of the other leg in the bended-lkmee position it is
an easy matter to rest the musetlar structure because the bony frame-
work, which supports the body, 4s resting firmly on the floor. ie

_ I can appreciate your: motive in not permitting the boys:
to lie down because many of them have an emotional tendency and: they
"flop" on the floor as if they are ready to pass out. This leads to
the detriment of the whole teams' emotions and the lesser of the two
evils, I would say, would be in the standing position.

7 Henry Iba has all of his men lie flat on their ehikimene
with-their heads facing into each other as a fiveepoint star, which
looks pretty, but it is a poor position for a hard breathing athleté.
I have my men on one knee, either knee, and facing each other. The
idea is to rest the framework of the boy and still develop the militaseer
of an ageresat re, up and coming fellow,

I trust this. gives you the desired information.

Sincerely yours,

-

Director of Physical Education,
Varsity Basketball Coach.