Page 12 - 1918 Hartridge

TEMPORA ET MORES
quently does not entail so much doctoring as a resnlt. It will be found that the individual who is “mentally awake and morally straight” is, in a large majority of cases, the one blessed with sound health. Given, then, that health is an invaluable asset in tlioroughly etfieient work of any sort, the question arises as to the best method of securing and
conserving that health. What better means could he suggested than the careful and systematic training offered by modern athletics?
But physical power is not the only benefit accruing from steady and well-regulated play. The habit of accuracy comes with steady nerves, and team-work on the field is the precursor of team-work in
life.
Greater than these, however, and in a place by itself, is self-reli­
ance. There is a certain responsibility to be shouldered by every member of a team; a certain gain depends on him alone, and he must look to himself for help. Or, again, his co-workers are absent, and suddenly an opportunity presents itself. He is trained to take advan­ tage of op\])ortimities, to grasp momentary chances, and to thirds clearly at an unforeseen crisis. Will this ability and this training have no other end than to win a game of hockey or of basket-ball? We think not. It will extend into all his activities, prolong itself indefi­ nitely, and add weight to his worth as a man.
There remains to he considered the (\{iiality of good sportsman­ ship. In the experience of any team, a good many contests may be gained, a good many may he lost. The side of the scale may he high or low, hut it is inbred in the contestants that it is miworthv to take a mean advantage, that it is small to boast after a victory, that it is cowardlv to whine after a defeat. There is self-confidence, ves, hut
there is also courtesy. There is a sense of fair \]ilay that is as just to an enemy as to a friend; in a word, modern athletics offers training
in a sDortsmanship that is sought and valued all over the world. Therefore, oh ye of thoughtful bent, consider well the solid foundations laid by athletics, not only in good health, hut also in good spirit, and ask yourselves if you can well afford to throw away your chance. You who wish to leave a mark in the woild, train your hands, steel your nerves, build iq) your character, play fair—go out for
athletics!
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