INCENTIVE FOR TRACK MEN.

Once more a valuable precedent, set some time ago in regard to the track team, has borne fruit. The donation of a cup to be competed for annually in the spring handicap games was the first tangible evidence of a new plan. There are now four such cups in the University which will bear the names of winners in as many events. The most recent acquisition of this sort is the Mansfield cup to be competed for in the 100-yard dash.

There has always been a tendency, in the history of previous track seasons, toward a slackening of interest among many men who have failed to make places for themselves in the early contests. This tendency is a very difficult one to combat; yet it is essential to the success of the team that a large number of men train continuously. It not only makes additional competition for the men who represent Harvard against other colleges, but it keeps up to the highest standard men who may become available material in the future. The real strength of an athletic organization is measured by the quality of the second-string contestants.

One way to furnish an incentive to these men is to provide some formal contest. The cups offer this incentive to everybody. The ultimate aim of the H. A. A. is to have one for every event. So far there are four; but none of these is given for field events. Here is an opportunity for other graduates who have an active concern for Harvard track teams to show material evidence of it.