Kansas University Weekly.
191
ATHLETICS.
Cris-Crosses and Fake Kicks.
Mr. Tom Mastin, who has been doing excellent work in coaching the backs, witnessed the Missouri-Nebraska game in the interest of Kansas. He believes Missouri to be stronger than Nebraska, although he would not be drawn out on the respective merits of Missouri and Kansas. He had this to say, "If Kansas loses it will not be the fault of the individual men."
A Missouri correspondent has sent out the report that it has come to be understood at Columbia that the Kansas team has had a "spotter" at all the games Missouri has played this year. No this is not true. We expect to win by playing the game and not by watching Missouri. Besides our "gold reserve" will not permit of our sending delegates around the country on missions of this nature.
The severe illness of Hester has been received with general regret. Not only is sympathy expressed for Hester, but much uneasiness is felt for the team. Hester is the greatest full back the Varsity has ever had and his retirement at this critical stage is distressing. We can only hope he will be in shape for the Thanksgiving game.
In the illness of Hester the management of the team has exposed itself to criticism. The boys were driven to the Exposition Park in an open bus and upon their arrival at Lawrence Saturday night were compelled to walk home, after taking part in one of the hardest games ever played in the West. The foot-ball players life is not all glory, in which case these things might be overlooked. It is false economy, it will be seen in the end, and is certainly an injustice to the players.
The local papers are raising a fuss over the dollar admission to the Thanksgiving game. They affirm any such action will reduce the college sport to a mere money making venture and will injure the Lawrence attendance. This position is certainly not well taken. It takes money to keep up a foot-ball team, and how
would you get the money? It's all right to let the generous merchants support the club, we suppose, so long as they are pleased to do so, and we have no legislation assistance, but what's the matter with raising the proceeds from those who are directly benefited? There are lots of people who will sit on the hillside and yell themselves hoarse for the home team, who wouldn't contribute twenty-five cents at the gate. The boys are giving up valuable time, many of them, from no other impulse than college pride pure and simple, and besides they have to pay for training table. We hope no Kansan will be deprived the privilege of seeing the game because of the excessive rate of admission. However, the great bulk of the gate receipts will come from Kansas City people who can well afford that amount and will be the more appreciative thereby.
The Athletic Association has decided to ask the assistance of the student body to meet the current expenses of the foot-ball team. An article in explanation appeared in our last week's issue and we feel assured that more than a mere suggestion as to the condition of affairs is unnecessary. Suffice is it to say we are in need of money. The team is badly in want of articles for its comfort and welfare and it should be the proud privilege of every student to contribute something to help out. There is not a man in the University who may not be heard to say he will give anything if we beat Missouri. That's the talk and now is the chance. We won't need your help after we beat Missouri. Chip in now and the boys will do the rest. President Greene of the Athletic Association and Prof. Adams of the Athletic Board will receive your offerings. You can make your payment individually, or through your class, club or fraternity. Next week we will give a list of the students contributing.
The Kansas City World, "a newly developed sporting sheet" had in last Sunday's issue, the only picture of the Jayhawkers that has appeared this season. The picture in itself is a good