University of Virginia Library

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229

PHYSICAL CULTURE.

The method of instruction pursued does not adhere blindly to
any system, so called. Proper recognition is given to any method
the whole or parts of which have been useful or which indicate efficacy;
for, however, valuable any system may be, it cannot be maintained
in its entirely without the consideration of hereditary tendencies,
and of individuality in physical possibilities, physical conditions,
and physical tastes. The plan of individual training is encouraged in
every case, and especially where an examination discloses the student's
inability to pursue general or concerted exercises, either from threatened
injury or inability to profit by such work.

Students, upon entering the University, are entitled, without cost,
to a thorough physical examination by the Director. The examination
includes an accurate measurement of his physical proportions, a careful
examination of the condition and action of the heart and lungs
and the strength of the principal muscular groups; at the same time
information is solicited concerning his heredity. Upon the basis of
the information so gathered instruction will be given as to particular
exercises and the use of the various developing appliances, as indicated.
The examinations are repeated at intervals, the changes noted
and new work suggested, if desirable.

In addition to individual work, daily classes are given in light
gymnastics—marching, figure running, calisthenics, dumb-bells, and
clubs, adapted as nearly as possible to individuals of all ages and
physical conditions. The exercises are gradual and progressive, commencing
with the simplest movements and proceeding to the more
complicated and arduous when the more rudimentary forms have
been mastered.

During the winter months gymnastics which require great
strength and agility are indulged in by those who are fitted for these
classes by previous training. This work, of admitted spectacular
character (yet having its usefulness), is terminated by an annual
gymnastic tournament, usually in the first half of March.

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The Faculty regulations on athletics require that members of the
University athletic teams shall give evidence of satisfactory physical
conditions by making the following strength tests when deemed
necessary, in addition to the regular physical examination: Members
of the football teams are required to make a strength test of 1300
points; members of the baseball team a test of 1100 points.

The points are reckoned as follows: The strength of back in
pounds, the strength of legs in pounds, strength of chest in pounds,
strength of forearms in pounds (pressure), added to one-tenth of the
weight (in pounds), multiplied by the number of times the body is
lifted by the upper arms.

The Fayerweather Gymnasium, the gift of Daniel Fayerweather,
of New York, is a handsome and commodious structure on classical
lines, situated on the eastern slope of Carr's Hill, overlooking the
Athletic Campus. The first floor contains a spacious exercise hall,
equipped with the best and most approved developing appliances,
as well as apparatus for light and heavy gymnastics, a one-twentieth
mile concave-inclined running track, a visitor's gallery, lavatory,
trophy-room, and the various offices. The basement floor is concrete
throughout and contains the baths—needle, shower, spray, tub,
and plunge—supplied with both hot and cold water; bowling alleys, ball-cage,
boiler-room, lockers, locker-room, dressing-rooms, and barber
shop. The building is heated by a hot water system, ventilated by
airshafts, registers, and skylights, and lighted by gas and electricity.

The gymnasium is open from 8 a. m. to 7 p. m. every day except
Sunday. Attendance is voluntary and free of cost to every regularly
matriculated student. Classes are arranged at such hours as not to
conflict with other University duties.

The Athletic Park contains twenty-one acres, a part of which
has been laid out into a driving park, set with trees and hedges, containing
the site for the proposed Athletic Clubhouse. Two hundred
thousand surface feet have been perfectly graded, drained, and fenced
for football, baseball, and track work. This surface was completed
at a cost of about ten thousand dollars, and the removal of forty-eight
thousand cubic yards of earth. A grand stand and bleacher
have been erected, each seating a thousand persons. The work of
turfing, protection, and decoration is going steadily on, and will, it
is estimated, cost ten thousand dollars more.