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Kansas University Weekly.
ATHLETICS.
The Champions.
The University and townspeople of Lawrence never stood by a football team as they have by the team of this year, and their support did not fail with defeat.
In the team of this year they recognize the strongest aggregation that has ever represented the University, and in that the State of Kansas. The state is justly proud of the valiant boys who so gallantly battled to win distinction for her, and in their success in landing the coveted pennant, we all glory.
We regret the boys could not have won for themselves the supreme honor of a "never defeated team."
The disposition is today, and we hope it will never falter, to nurse the memory of the great Thanksgiving struggle and the several victories of the team of '95.
We wish we might make a "Kansas City papers please copy" dispatch to each of the players, but space will not permit.
However to Coach Cowan, Captain Piatt and Mr. Tom Mastin we would extend the sincere appreciation of the University for their excellent services.
Coach Cowan worked hard and faithfully to make a winning team, and deserves the hearty congratulations of all. Mr. Mastin's services were gratuitous, and certainly were appreciated.
To Captain Piatt belongs all praise. Handicapped by a six week's start, we started and with indomitable will and energy got the individual players.
Armor Chosen Captain.
At a meeting of the football team Wednesday, Chas. W. Armor was selected captain for the team of 1896. Armor was the regularly elected captain of this year's team. He was forced to retire early in the season with a broken ankle, and Piatt was named for the captaincy.
There was some doubt as to whom the privilege of casting ballots should extend. The
constitution says any player who has taken part in any of the scheduled games, which the Athletic board interpreted to mean all of the match games played this year including Midland and Emporia.
Fullback Hester was the only opposing candidate. Hester refused to make an active canvass, simply allowing his name to be presented.
Armor had little opportunity last year of showing his capabilities as a leader, but the confidence the boys have shown in his ability by twice electing him to this important position, must be a matter of great satisfaction to him.
A vote of thanks was extended to Captain Piatt and Coach Cowan for their efficient services, after which the meeting adjourned.
The All-Western Team.
The All-Western foot-ball team has been chosen. The team is an honorary one composed of the players of the League Circuit including the State Universities of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. The selection of the team was the individual one of Coach Bliss, of Missouri, who has seen the four teams in at least one game. Missouri nor Kansas is given any advantage, but ten of the eleven players are taken from these two teams. Nebraska is honored with only one position, left end, while poor old Iowa again fails to score. However Captain Leighton is mentioned as one of the most promising guards in the country with proper coaching.
Curiously enough all of the Kansas backs are retained, which is certainly a worthy compliment to our prided quartette. "Shorty" Hamill is the only man who is considered capable of making holes large enough to accommodate our "Big Four." Thompson is given center over Walker.
The positions and players are as follows: Left end, Shue; left tackle, Pauley; left guard, Hamill; center, Thompson; right guard, Brigham; right tackle, Conley; right end, Price; quarter, Hill; left half back, Williamson; right half back, Outland; full back, Hester.