 | University of Virginia March, 1907 |  |
PHYSICAL CULTURE.
| WILLIAM ALEXANDER LAMBETH, M. D., Ph. D., | |
| Director of the Gymnasium. | |
| HENRY HADEN LANNIGAN, | Associate Director of Athletics. |
| HERBERT MASSEY PECK, | Instructor in Physical Training. |
| CHARLES EDWARD MORAN, | Student Assistant in Gymnasium. |
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 entirety 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.
The Faculty regulations on athletics require that members of the
University athletic teams shall give evidence of satisfactory physical condition
by making the following strength tests when deemed necessary, in
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.
| University of Virginia March, 1907 | |