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Show Much-Enlarged Physical Education Program Needed As South Men Hear Call of Teen-Age Draft BY FRANK JAMES South's men students, particularly those who have reached the ripe age of 18, are confronted with the prospect of induction induc-tion into the armed forces soon. Seventeen-year-olds still have a " breathing spell, but they and those still younger are probably giving the matter much thought. This brings up the question: Are all Southerners physically and mentally fit to take their places when the time comes, and can all quality for the branch they prefer, now that voluntary enlistment is curtailed? Eighty per cent of the male students do not take active part in athletics, but are content to sit and watch the others perform. per-form. This idea of athletic competition for the comparative few has been under severe scrutiny since December 7, 1941. It is now evident that all abIe:bodied men should compete in some form of contests and become trained in the art of self-defense, self-defense, or, if you prefer, self-preservation. This compulsory training may well be installed in senior high schools to prepare the future inducteee for service in the various branches. Courses in modified commando training are now being taught in gym classes under the direction of Coach Long. Sergeant Ser-geant Paul D. Redmond is endeavoring to work out a plan for stronger disciplinary training in South's ROTC battalion. The sergeant is restricted in his efforts by the present provisions governing the ROTC set-up, however, he has a distinct dis-tinct interest in all future draftees under his command and would prefer to prepare them as adequately as possible. If military training becomes compulsory at South, it undoubtedly un-doubtedly would give Sergeant Redmond more freedom in training train-ing methods, and would also give all high school men the advantage ad-vantage of skilled calisthenic training under our coaches. The Japs have the idea that American boys are soft and therefore push-overs; It is a well known fact that the marines - and the navy have made the little yellow boys "holler uncle," but can we all qualify as marines or navy material? Statistics show that about one of six applicants can pass physical tests required to enter these branches. It is evi- dent that the success of the marines in combat is due to physical physi-cal development. The average American boy has a distinct edge in initiative and does not lack in courage. Give him train- ing that develops him physically and teach him discipline, and he is unb eatable, A physical fitness program combined with compulsory military mil-itary training in senior high schools is an absolute necessity rather than a hopeful idea. |