GLASGOW RECEPTION The 2nd post-war Women's Inter¬ FOR ARTHUR NEWTON national C.C. race was held at Ayr on 26th March. Again England dominated, Arthur F. H. Newton will visit Scotland taking all first six placings. The in¬ from Monday, 18th to Friday, 22nd April dividual winner was the famous British and a reception with time for informal track and cross-country star, Diane discussion will be held in Partick Burgh Leather who finished over 100 yds. ahead Hall, Glasgow on Wednesday evening of another great athlete, Anne Oliver. 20th April. Many of our leading sports After the race the teams were guests at a personalities will attend. civic reception. Details t Roughly quarter of a century ago England— 1, D. Leather 16m. 08s.; 2, Arthur Newton earned his world renown A. Oliver 16.31 ; 3, L. Buckland 16.45 ; by tm, wop&rful historic long-distance 4, J. Bridgland 16.57 ;5, M. Davis 17.00; feats. His deeds were all the 6, M. Wooller 17.01. Scotland—7, C more amazing inasmuch as he did not take Boyce 18.18 ; 8, A. Drummond 18.40 ; up serious running until he was forty and 9, E. McLeod 18.47 ; 10, M. Ferguson then had to overcome a strained heart. He 19.15; 11, D. Fulton 19.20; 12, A. pioneered many of present day athletic Elder 19.25. England 10 pts. Scotland training principles and he is the author of 34 pts. several books including " Running," "Running in Three Continents," "Com- John Emmet Farrcll's " Running Com¬ monsense Athletics " and " Races and mentary " will be continued in the May Training." issue. Also to be published will be a special photographic tribute to John All enthusiasts desirious of meeting McLaren (Shotts Miners' Welfare A.C.) and hearing this outstanding veteran will on his great victory in the English Junior be welcomed freely to the reception. It CC. Championship. A victory that would be helpful if those meaning to particularly thrilled every Scottish en¬ attend gave prior notice to the editor. thusiast.

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Club (If any) PAAVO NURMI Address, A PERSONAL MESSAGE. —PERCY CERUTTY. SCOTTISH STARS (I)—D. McDONALD. inclose being 6 months/ 12 months' subscription...... NATIONAL RACE DETAILS. Published by Walter J. Ron. 69 St. Vineent Street. Glasgow. C.2 Prlalrd by Lawn 6 Miller. Ltd.. t7 Cadogan Street. Gla.gow. C.2. k THE SCOTS ATHLETE TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN SCOTTISH AND "Nothing great wai ever achieved without entbuaiaam."

EDITED BY - WALTER J. ROSS Editorial Offices—69 St. Vincent Street. Glasgow. C.2 Tel.-CENtral 8443

Personal Message from APRIL, 1955. Vol. 9, Nos. 9 & 10. Annual Subscription. 7/- (U.S.A., 1$). PAAVO NURMI Paavo Nurmi—The By JAMES L. LOGAN. IT is really too flattering that you still remember me in TIIE recent article on Alfred Shrubb in these vital formative years, he seemed these times when all the records are broken. When one inevitably called up memories of Paavo to know instinctively how far to go with¬ looks at the records Imade during my time, they look Nurmi, who knocked the first hole in the out impairing his normal build-up of a long period very unimportant compared with those of today, and in great English runner's set of Scottish strength. In a boy, such of preparation without the occasional ex¬ spite of that fact you still want to write about me. All-Comers' Records. citement of a real race denoted one of Nurmi was a living legend when he extraordinary powers. It will be twenty-four years next summer since I came to Rangers F.C. Sports in August, He was nineteen when he made his took part in the race in Glasgow. to 1931, and everyone who saw him that day The trip Glasgow and cherishes the memory. The Flying Finn bow ; but the Great War still raged was one of the most pleasant Iever made. Ihave most the had a wonder about him that not even the world heard little of him until pleasant memories of the public and the at It officials, as Zaiopck has achieved. Possibly we know 1920 , . as the debut : first in the well Scottish sportsmen. Ishall never forget too much nowadays. was an impressive the 10,00 metres the lovely trip to the Scottish coast the day after. 10,000 metres track and Every world record from one to ten cross-country, and sccond'to J. Guillemot, miles stood in his name and in three of France, in the 5,000 metres,—the only I wish that all Scottish athletes will train with Olympiads he had garnered seven gold non-Finnish runner ever to beat Nurmi enthusiasm : your footballers of course are famous all and three silver medals in six different in an Olympic final. over the world. At the same more events. So complete was his supremacy time Ishall once Antwerp that in his greatest years Time was his In the four years between the say that only energetic training will bring the best 1924, Nurmi only real opponent. Nurmi ran with a Games and those in in results on the racing track. this I With message, send watch in his hand, and an analysis of his not only established himself as the World's my best greetings to all Scottish sportsmen and young records shows that this was no more trick best at his chosen distances of 5,000 and sports enthusiasts. of showmanship. His judgement of pace 10,000 metres but found enough speed to was almost uncanny and his brain was the come down to 1,500 metres. Indeed, he at that master of a perfectly tuned physical was already world record holder PAAVO NURMI. machine. He ran with a mathematical distance (3 minutes 52.6 seconds) and certitude that ignored any possibility of the mile (4 minutes 10.4 seconds) when physical failure. the year of his greatest triumphs arrived. Like all legendary figures, Nurmi had Nurmi had a tcrrifiic programme in something of the mystic in him. He was these 1924 Games in Paris—1,500 metres, not even in his teens when he began pre¬ 5,000 metres, 3,000 metres team event and paring himself methodically for long 10,000 metres cross-country. But even distance running and subjected himself that left him dissatisfied : he wanted to to a life of astonishing austerity, even have a crack at the —and as becoming a vegetarian for a period. And world record holder at 1,500 metres he

I r

THE SCOTS ATHLETE THE SCOTS ATHLETE 5

of the Going must have at least stood a chance—but In the 1928 Games in , SCOTTISH WOMENS CC. first lap. uphill for the forbade this and also his entry Nurmi won the 10,000 metres from Ritola CHAMPIONSHIP, second time, Aileen Drummond started in the 10,000 metres track. and they rang the changes in the 5,000 AYR RACECOURSE to force the pace, which Ithought was metres. He also finished second in the not very fast at that point. But Ihad He won the four events in which he 5th March, 1955. feeling 3,000 metres steeplechase, thus adding a the that runners were suffering ran ; a tremendous feat in itself, and THIS event was again favoured with fine sixth event to his Olympic repertoire from an insufficient warm up, and the sufficient to make him an Olympic im¬ weather although there was a cold east (although he virtually won his silver cold wind which was affecting their breath¬ mortal. But it was the circumstances of wind. Excellent arrangements were made medal between the obstacles in the race !) ing. They certainly were looking none by Thursby Ayr his victories that puts him beyond all Mr. and Mrs. and too happy at this stage. other athletes in history. Records were still falling to him when Athletic Club and members of the Western lie came over to Scotland in 1931. His District C.C. Union officiated. As Ailccn drew away trailing Miss The finals of the 1,500 and 5,000 Boycs four miles world record stood at 19 Before the race there was quite a bit of and Miller after her with the rest metres took place within an hour of each the field strung minutes 15.6 seconds and Alfred Shrubb's speculation as to whether Miss Miller of out behind, it became other, and he won both in Olympic record apparent that Scottish and British figures were 19 from Aldcrshot would master the reigning the latter was in trouble, time. The 10,000 metres cross-country minutes 23 2/5 seconds. The handicap, champion A. Drummond who was the and that the youngest competitor in the race was even more of a debacle than the of course, was framed to pull him out but home favourite, but the expected battle race, Boycs, was going to be a force to be 1954 Empire Games . The at the it is doubtful if this had any influence on did not materialise as Miss Miller un¬ reckoned with finish as she was reason was the same : a gruelling race in moving easily and Nurmi. Incidentally, it looked as if Alex fortunately did not finish the course. showing little sign of broiling heat. Half of the field ended in Pcttigrcw, of Greenock Glenpark, were The Course was one of three laps tiring. As the second lap was completed hospital, several of them in a near-crazed giving Nurmi a start, for he was placed diagonally across the racecourse and this Drummond was about 30 yds. up on the condition, and most of those who finished field moving much just ten yards behind the black garbed gave the spectators a good view of the and better. Miller were in a state of collapse. dropped Finn ! Alex, of course had a start of 430 entire 2J miles race, but unfortunately the out here and Boycs took up the role of challenger with And yet long before the crowd at the yards. race was not well supported by spectators, McLcod maintain¬ ing her position close behind. It was now finish had learned of the shambles out in Most people who saw the race will say the large East contingent of 1953 being pretty definite that the holder would, un¬ the country, Nurmi appeared, his long, that Nurmi never varied his pace through¬ absent. It was unfortunate also that there less something very unexpected happened, beautiful stride unbroken. For once, he out the sixteen laps, but the watch told a were very few competitors from the East. win again. This was indeed the result had let others make the pace over the different story. His mile times were Of a total entry of 25 including three with the others dropping slightly further tough course, with its deceptively easy 4.45-4/5, 4.55-4/5, 4.54-3/5, 4.44-3/5 : teams, 20 faced the starter, and for the behind but all credit must be given to start, And then, when they were shrivell¬ total, 19 minutes 20-2/5 seconds—just first Imile remained pretty well bunched Miss Boycs for her really fine show in ing up under the cruel heat, Nurmi passed about splitting the difference between his together, but shortly afterwards a small finishing second in her first National. them. Not tactics : he had weighed up own world record and Shrubb's British group including Drummond, Miller, the conditions and run the race at the record. Boyes, Ferguson, Elder and McLcod broke T. MONTGOMERY, fastest speed possible on such a day. away and were still bunched at the end (Hon. Chief Coach S.W.A.A.A.). In action, Nurmi looked the part, And next day, while some of the flowing over the ground with his beautiful, Details : Contd. from page 4. victims were still muttering in the hospital long stride—perhaps over-long by modern 1. finish his Olympic saga with victory in A. Drummond, Maryhill 18m. 39s. ward, Nurmi ran off with the individual standards, but certainly a magnificicnt 2. C. Boyes, Maryhill 18m. the classic event, the marathon. His try- H. 52s. honour in the 3.Q0O metres team race. spectacle. 3. E. outs suggested that he would end his McLcod, Unattached 19m. 08s. 4. Ferguson,Springburn Even with such a tremendous perform¬ His absolute mastery of himself was career with a glorious flourish, but instead M. 19m. 15s. ance, however, there remains the fascinating evident in the Ibrox race. He glanced at he tasted bitter disappointment. There 5. A. Elder, Maryhill II. ... 19m. 38s. at every 6. Springburn conjecture on the chances of Nurmi in his watch lap and in the last was a question of too-liberal expenses and D. Fulton, 19m. 52s. mile imperceptibly pace 7. M. Campbell, the two events which he was forced to raised the to en¬ before the tangle could be sorted out, the Maryhill forego. Ritola, his countryman, won the sure his three seconds margin over the Olympics of 1932 were over. 8. S. Johnstone, Edin. Harr. British 9. S. 10,000 metres in world record time but record. Twenty years later, however, a bald Stewart, Edin. Harr. 10. later that year, Nurmi sliced no less than And the race itself ? He did not finish fifty-five year old man strode gallantly M. Steel, Maryhill H. 1 seventeen seconds off Ritola's time ! in the first three : no need. Tom Blakely round the Olympic arena, bearing the 1. C. Walsh, Maryhill H. 12. C. Buchanan, Maryhill H The honour which Nurmi had brought (Maryhil! Harriers), Walter Beavers Flame on the last lap of its long journey (York Harriers) and 13. C. Watson, Springburn to little Finland—whose population is less that dogged little across Europe. Never was a lap of honour 14. T. McDcvitt, Springburn than Scotland's was recognised by the battler, J. F. Wood (Hcriot's) walked so worthily earned and any bitterness that — off with clocks, government, who commissioned a famous the etc. may have lingered in Nurmi's heart must Team : have vanished forever sculptor to make a bronze statue of the One great question mark still hovers as the crowd 1. Maryhill—1, 2, 3, 6. 12 pts. acclaimed him. great runner. over Nurmi's career. He planned to 2. Springburn—3, 5, 11, 12. 31 pts. THE SCOTS ATHLETE THE SCOTS ATHLETE 7 Scotland's Stars of Cross-Country, . (No. i) DONALD MACDONALD (Garscube Harriers) 440 Yards. By JAMES CHRISTIE.

HOW many times must a man attempt burgh, if not overconfident, then pretty to win a Championship ? Since Athletics firmly convinced it would take an under began, people have asked that question. 50 second man to beat him. Does hard, arduous training qualify one As it transpired, it was an under 50 for the sacred 1st place, or must one be man who did, but it was the one whom endowed with ability, plus that great we thought not fit enough to accomplish something temperament. this, the name again, Alnn Robertson, Donald £3 If only that were the case, then and again the time, under 50, 49.9 sees. MacDonald would be the present Scottish One would think that with so many 440 yards Champion. First, he has near misses at the title, Donald would temperament for the big occasion. No change his distance, to cither 880 yds. one could have beaten 50 sees, for the to which he has a leaning, or return to quarter, at Sports his Scotland's biggest the 100 yds. and 220 yds. which were Photo by Ben Blckerton. meeting last season, if they had not. original distance on taking up the sport...... (Kdinbnrgh...... Northern Harrier*) wlnnlnjc the Scottinh - Championship. at New Kdlnburgh. U> June, from Meadowbank.ÿ lant JK** arch. " Secondly anyone who has trained with, But no, at the present time, he is hard at D. McDonald (Oaraeabe Harriers). " <,m" In *acccs«ion Donald McDonald had flnlahed riranerÿop"— Inÿthla'event! or watched him training will, before long, work training for his fourth attempt at realize only too well how hard is the the 440 yds., and who knows, perhaps namely, " speed," say again 6 x 220 yds. to either sink or float this theory never work covered by him. this will be " his " year. at 25 sees. materialized. Yet, in the " Scottish Championships," Donald Macdonald joined Garscubc His main successes that season were the " His club Garscube Harriers are very- he has been second three years in Harriers" in the summer of 1948 as a Glasgow Police Sports 220 yds. and a proud of him as they have every reason to succession. The first 1952 ; he was His distances, as Ihave already double at Falkirk in the 100 and 220 yds. Junior. be. Though he has won every club second to David Gracie, of " 440 yds. mentioned were 100 and 220 yds. As a He also won the Cowal Invitation quarter honour within his compass he certainly Hurdle Fame." This was one of his best Junior he did nothing spectacular, but at and was a member of the medley team is not of the ' pot-hunter ' ilk. In the performances, being as he was, on the the same time was a member of the which annexed the Glasgow Highland true spirit of amateur athletics he is always way up. His time was 51.2 sees, under Garscube Junior quartette of W. Stanwix, Gathering Trophy. ready to turn out, and do his best, for the blustery conditions. H. Hatrick, C. Scott and I). Macdonald With the close season of 1950 his club irrespective of whether the team is The second 1953 ; for the period up which lost only 2 relays in the many they training took the form it has ever since, considered weak or strong. And though until the Championships he was the un¬ entered for that season. namely repetition work. The difference he has to overcome his modesty that disputed Kingpin " of the 440 yds. His training, the winter of 1948, con¬ has been in his actual competing. A few- " amounts to shyness he is always anxious Then wham 1 sisted of just some easy cross-country seasons ago he ran his quarters even " " to encourage the youngsters and new¬ Alan Robertson running like a machine, twice a week. Followed in April by the paced, but now he prefers to pep them up comer* to the sport. with his usual smooth long sprinting usual work. 1949, his first year as over the first 220 yds. action led the field to win the title in a senior, was very quiet, his only claim 1951 saw his first appearance at the His intentions, as already mentioned, 49.6 sees., four tenths outside the " Best to fame being the occassions when he ran championships and although gaining a are, once again, the 440 yd*., but perhaps Championship performance." Donald's a 220 yds. leg in the club relay. standard medal in 51.2 sees, failed to half-milers might bear in mind be has consolation lay in the fact that for the The winter of 1949 he did very little, qualify for the final. leanings in this direction and after the rest of the season he was the undisputed then from February 1950 he started The other years 1952, 3,and 4 wc have championships wc may see, him running 440 yds. man of Scotland. training seriously for the quarter. Along already spoken of. For the record his from the back in open half*. Anyway- The third 1954 ; with a 49.4 sees. 440 with nms over 600, 660, and 300 yds. official best performances over 100, 220 whatever distance he runs, he has proved yds. at Glasgow Police Sports—he he did repetition 220 yds. Incidentally and 440 yds. are 10.3, 22.4 sees., 49.4 by his tenacity and trying spirit to be a knocked out Stcgcr the Swiss intern¬ this is the distance over which the back¬ sees. great asset to Scottish Athletics. ationalist in his heat and in the final bone of his work is built. An example of In respect of the second distance Championships arc not willed but have finished in line with British champion this, in say, mid-March is 10 x 220 yds. mentioned, the 220 yds., he feels he might to be fought out. However if the patience Peter Fryer and another internationalist at say 28 sees., then in April he cuts down have done better but like so many of and perseverance of Donald gets its re- Angus Scott—MncDonald came to Edin¬ on quantity and peps up in quality, Scotlnnds top athletes, the opportunity .....Contd on page 8. 8 THE SCOTS ATHLETE THE SCOTS ATHLETE 9 What we have learned from Landy JOHN LANDY By PERCY W. CERUTTY (Famous Australian Coach). WORLD MILE RECORD-HOLDER.

ITh* following article la really only an to run a mile much faster. Of all bad extract from a letter, dated 13th September 19M, from our Australian friend Percy cases of athletes impelled by compulsions Cerutty. Nevertheless to our mind ft or must pin the maken a complete essay In itself and dictations I confess I presents a most Interesting study—Kditor.J medal upon a very dear friend, Jim Peters. Landy now realises, as Ihave all along, In the case of Landy and Bannister, with up-bringings and youth not that there is a limit to miles run in train¬ their it is that they are the ing beyond which miles run do not add surprising victims of maturity. The case of anything to the running ability. Myself : their lack of Peters better. I stress importance of the quality of the is different. Jim just should know have met, work not the quantity. In the beginning The most uninhibited athlete I and in every sense of the word, unre¬ there must be lots of running—up to 200 or 300 a month even. But once stamina stricted, is another great friend of mine : Emil Zatopek. We can learn much is built in then the emphasis needs must of this but not by copying his training be on sheer speed with ample rests. The man Landy than to body must be inured to the task it has schedules. knows better that as Rodger. in the to do. Therefore much of the training do docs But planning as docs Rodger, is must stimulate the race that is to be rim. ultimate, it not the answer. not All this work must be inspirational rather The athletic world is ready for these truths. In fact few men than planned. In fact Igo so far to say agree that the intellect cannot be that any athlete that runs to a schedule will whether devised by himself or another is trusted : that conscious thought is suspect. found, our train¬ not training in accordance with the truth. That truth is even as to He is under a dictation : No man can be ing methods, distance and speeds run, free who is under any dictation whatso¬ when we turn inwards and consult our bodily cells and and respond ever. His performances must always be their needs instinctively to these No 1 No ! relative : that is relative to what he may needs. not mad Cerutty from down-under. The have become had he not been under a greatest world known has dictation of some sort. When athletes athletes the has understand that and can train with the known these things : Men who were peers truth spontaneity that is in accordance above their fellows in their day and still With the needs of their bodily cells, and arc giants 1 Name one ? George Hackcn- their innate capacities, then they will run schmidt. He knew ! He knew ! And much faster. there are others.

That athletes such as Bannister and The club coach will always have his Landy are under some imposed dictations, use : Club runners need, or appear to John I>andy (Australia) holds the world record for even what appear to be self-imposed, is need direction and dictation. As long as 1,500 metres. 3 mlns. 41.8 sees, and 1 mile, 3 mlns. they do they will be nothing greater that 58 sees. He made both marks In the same raco at most obvious to me. Especially in the , Finland on Monday. June 21st, 19M. case of Landy he has the physical aptitude Club runners. And as long as Club coaches dictate and order they will remain coach in the world that Iever consulted Distrusting intellectual decisions and Contd. from page 7. Club coaches. Maybe all parties are myself Icannot speak as to all the famous learning to rely upon the impulses arising ward and he eventually becomes a Scottish satisfied and suited. But it is to be noted others. from bodily states is a primary dictum. title holder it would be an honour which that the great ones live above such coaches But in the beginning we must give But there is much more to it than just would have popular acclaim. and their dictations. And the great novices some ideas as to what will be this : so the simple-minded must not think * * * coaches arc not found dictating at least, expected of them : "Guides "Icall them. the recipe to world records is locked up In our next issue No. 2 " Olympic any longer. Iam sure, this was—the case But they arc soon shed. Spontaneity, in these simple words. There is more Sprinter" W. Jack. with Goster Holmer. As he was the only NOT caprice : is one of the key words : it than this. But this is a start. 10 THE SCOTS ATHLETE THE SCOTS ATHLETE 11

hart, 6 ; W. C. Wylie, 2 ; A. Dow, 3 ; "WHAT'S WRONG WITH ARE WE IMPROVING ? J. Flockhart, 1 ; J. E. Farrell, 8 ; J. E. COACHING ? " By G. S. BARBER. Farrell, 7 ; whilst after the war they were J. Flockhart, 7 ; R. Rcid, 12 ; OLD Athletes, like "Old Soldiers," A. Forbes, 15 ; A. Forbes, 29 ; T. would, appears, never die, but only RECENTLY whilst cleaning out an old training runs, needs holding back. Matters it Traccy, 24 ; E. Bannon, 14 ; E. Bannon, more athletes, cupboard Icame across a circular issued might be much improved if clubs allowed fade away. Every season 4 ; E. Bannon, 14. early 30's give up in January 1929 under the signature of acouple of months for steady long say in their late 20's the game. Now, Iwould like to make it George Dallas, Hem. Secretary N.C.C.U. distance training before entering upon Let us consider what was termed faults plain, that the age group specified arc of Scotland (he is still in the same their racing programme." in 1929 and we find exactly the some approximate ages and not definite. position today). today. Hardly before the tarck season Not training the distance : Another " is finished we start racing with the Mc- Amongst other things he says While common fault. A steady ten—miles is With these few words Ithink Ican —" Andrevv Trophy before anyone is really appreciating the fact that success in better training for a seven miles than — proceed with a reasonable amount of fit. This goes on throughout the season championships and international events is three or five miles at top speed. If a confidence knowing that Ihave not in¬ one race after another. Inter-Club, not the sole objective in the promotion of runner is fit to stay, the pace will come. jured too many feelings. County, District and Inter-District, Club cross-country running this Committee feels At anything over half a mile the real races finishing up with the National when However the amount of backing given that in the best interests of the sport an necessity is not mere pace, but ability to everyone has had a skinful of racing to both coaching examinations and effort should be made to locate the cause stay the pace." ' ' and on this race depends our selection for for training is not nearly of our failure in distance running and see facilities offered A further point is when these young¬ our International team. This race then good enough. At the last S.A.A.A. whether it cannot be removed without " sters have already had a heavy season is the most important race in our season coaching examinations in October, if my interfering with the popularity of the sport before the coming when everyone has been racing all the some as such." championships arc memory serves me right, there were along, they are liable to be run off their winter. No wonder that the selected men 4 people sitting various exams between In general the article is completely up legs in training by seniors who are are burnt up by the time they don their Junior and Intermediate standards. to date in its criticisms although it is 25 endeavouring to run themselves into International Jersey. How many times years old, yet we are committing the same condition." have we seen men picked for the Inter¬ This disgrace is only more marked in follies to day. national team and not run anything like the attendance at training nights organ¬ " A feature now is the number of The articles was of course an attempt their normal form, yet year by year we do ised by Dunky Wright and Tony secondary events in some districts, in¬ to learn the cause of our failures to com¬ the same old stuff and get the same Chapman. tending no doubt to bring out the younger pete with the English runners and improve results. Surely it is in the bounds of runners, but frequently resulting in these After the war a cry went up about our own placings in International cross¬ possibility of someone to work out a having to do twice as much racing as training facilities for track men in winter. country races. scheme whereby this does not happen. their seniors." Yet now at High School gym on a Icontinue with his remarks : Why cannot the team for next year be Wednesday sometimes barely a dozen is — Let us look at figures, they say figures Lack of picked from the International race of present At Helenvalc, the only club to " proper preparation before cannot Over lie. the last twenty years in THIS year, on their support this ground and see the usefulness entering into strenuous competition. A running so will the International Cross-Country racing the of it is Harriers. good novice is frequently pressed into future team be planned. Then that Shcttleston English placings in that race have been particular service at once, and if he shapes well he hunch of men will KNOW 1 1 firsts, 5 seconds and 4 thirds. Scot¬ that At Ibrox, there again numbers arc not is encouraged to NEXT year the honour of Scottish race more and more. land's plncings : 3 seconds, 5 thirds, 3 nearly good enough. Is this wise?" — cross-country running is in their hands How true this is today. fourths, 6 fifths, 2 one sixths and seventh. and they have a complete year to train. So all clubs in and around Glasgow, "There is tendency to induce a runner Cut out all those unnecessary races, Scotland has certainly not improved you have facilities, let's see you use them. who has been resting to turn out in races surely for one year this can be tried, we since the end of the war. The total actual If they were taken from you, you would on the plea that this will atsist him to get cannot be any worse than we are. finishing places of the teams eight years be the first to complain. fit. Unless the man is naturally fit the the war was eight before 879 and the With all these Coaches bursting to train reverse may be the case." years the thirty after war was 1942, a long way someone anytime, surely one can be given By the way, you old men of " Excessive racing programmes : This back. the honour of training the future national why not sit a coaching examination. With — that theory allied with your years of is a most common fault. Some Clubs The English teams averaged 58 whilst team and have a full year to do it in. experience, you could pass on information, arrange racing fixtures almost every week the Scots were 146. The best individual Please let us try something NEW. and help, in general, the boys and and a mojority, at least twice a month. placings of the Scots team before the Since 1929 we have been doing the same promising juniors of your club. The old hand may stand this, but the war yearly from 1932 were :—Suttie thing, let us experiment—if only for one young runner, who probably races in his Smith, 7 ; R. Sutherland, 2 ; J. Flock- year. J.G 12 THE SCOTS ATHLETE THE SCOTS ATHLETE 13

7. Edin. Sth. H.—(N. Duff 35 ; SCOTTISH CROSS-COUNTRY J. A.C.) 103 ; P. M. Ewing (Shett. H.) 9. Glas. Univ. H. & H.—(B. Mcikle Smart 36; H. Robertson 71 ; G. Elliot CHAMPIONSHIPS 109 ; J. Lynn (St. Mod.) 115 ; J. Mc- 23 ; S. Rose 56 ; S. McFarlane 60 ; T. 75 ; W. Sanderson 81 ; H. Robb 90). HAMILTON RACECOURSE Clure (V.P.A.A.C) 117; J. Geddes Robertson 72). 211 pts. H. Coulthard 388 pts. D. Morrison 116. 26th February, 1955. (Monk. H.) 124; G. Marshall (Kil¬ 74 ;D. Robertshaw 79. 8. Y.M.C.H. (A. Details : Motherwell H.— H. marnock A.C.) 126 ; R. Donald) Glas. 10. Edin. North. H.—(T. R. Boyd 43 ; SENIOR 9 MILES Brown 9 ; D. McFarlanc 57 ; T. Scott Y.M.) 127. M. Stocks 61 ; G. Veitch 67 ; R. G. 70 ; W. S. Somcrville 76 ; J. Campbell Sinclair 75). 246 pts. Individual : 30th 53m. 84 ; R. Devon 130). 426 pts. Times at 20th pos. 52m. 50s.; 1. D. Henson, V.P.A.A.C. 49m. 30s. 40s.; 40th 54m. 27s.; 50th 54m. 59s.; Failed to close in t 9. Garscube H. (G. A. Dunn 21 ;S. 2. J. Stevenson, G. W. H. 49m. 36s. — 60th 55m. 38s.; 70th 56m. 04s.; 80th Greenock W'park H. (D. McConachic Horn 39 ; Linn 86 ; D. G. Causon — 3. J. McGhee, Shett. Harr. 49m. 39.s J. 56m. 39s.; 90th 58m. lis.; 100th 59m. 22 ;T. Carr 63 ;J. Howe 64). 91 ; W. Ross 92 ; A. W. Warton 110). 4. I. Binnie, Vict. Park A.C 50m. 01s. J. 45s. Falkirk Vict. H.—(G. Rankinc 16; 439 pts. N. M. Ross 122; I. L. Mc- 5. T. Stevenson, G. W. H. 50m. 10s. JUNIOR 6 MILES. I. Paterson 27. 6. C. O'Boyle, C'dalc Harr. 50m. 15s. Kcnzic 125. Plebeian H.—(J. Simpson 50 ; T. Mc- 7. E. Bannon, Shctt, Harr. 50m. 30s. 10. Plebeian H.—(D. Barclay 74 ; J. Individual : Quadc 54. 8. W. F. Lindsay, Gala H. 51m. 04s. McCann 80 ; T. Rcwcastlc 88 ; A. 1. J. McLaren, Shotts M.W 33m. 07s. Irvine Y.M.C.A.—(J. Dunlop 58 ; S. 9. A.H. Brown,M'well YM 51m. 06s. Robertson 106 ; G. Jamicson 123 ; J. 2. A. S. Jackson, E. U.H. 33m. 28s. Kennedy 59. 3. Russell, V.P.A.A.C. 33m. 35s. 10. A. C. Gibson, Hamilton 51m. 17s. McCaffery 129). 600 pts. J. Individual Entrants : 4. G. Everett, Shcttlcston H 34m. 50s. 11. G. White Clydesdale H. 51m. 38s. D. Lapslcy (West Kilbride A.S.C.) 14 ; Failed to close in : 5. P. Moy, Vale of Lcvcn 35m. 0s. 12. P. Younger, C'dale Harr. 51m. 39s. J. Stevenson (Larkhall Y.M.) 20; G. Bcllahouston H. (H. Fcnion 16 ; T. 6. G, Nelson, B'houston H 35m. 13s. Team : — Dickson (Garscube H.) 24 ; G. B. Mc- Mercer 27 ; A. 97 ; McLean 120) 7. C. Harris, Beilh H. 35m. 18s. 1. Shettleston H.—(J. McGhee 3 ; E. Jack J. J. Lintock (Maryhill H.) 28 ; B. Linn Bannon 7 ; R. C. Wallace 17 ; H. Fox Paisley H.—(A. Napier 13 ; J. M. Team t (Garscubc H.) 31 ; A. Leishman (Larbert 19; J. Eadic 28; T. Walters 32)106 Campbell 47; C. McCart 78; J. M. 1. Edin. Univ. H. & H.—(A. S. Jack¬ Y.C.) 35 ;I. Maycock (St. Andrews Un.) pts. H. Howard 37 ; A. W. Orr 43 ; F. Scllar 98). son 2 ; A. H.C. Home 9 ;W. H. Watson 40 ; W. J. More (Kilmarnock A.C.) 42 ; Scally 46 ; W. Chalmers 48 ; J. Moore Glasgow Univ. H. & H.—(J. Finlayson 11 ; J. V. Paterson 12). 34 pts. J. Miller J. Dodds (Gala H.) 45; W. Black 55 ; D. Campbell 85. 14; A. Galbraith 83; B. McNamara 39 ;E. Smart 71. (Maryhill H.) 48 ;C. J. Boyle (Strathtay ; 131). Y.M.) 2. Victoria Park A.A.C.—D. Henson 107 A. Uster 2. Bellahouston H.—(G. Nelson 6 ; H.) 51 ; W. Morrison (Larkhall 1 ; I. Binnic 4 ; C. D. Forbes 18 ; W. Glasgow Police A.A.—(A. Allan 96 ; C. Kennedy 8 ; J. Irvine 18 ;S. McLean 62 ; R. Rcid (Kilmarnock A.C.) 66 ; A. Sloan 20 ; N. Austin 29 ; R. C. Calder- F. McGown 102 ; J. McLcish 108 ; W. 21). 53 pts. Ewan (Dumbarton A.A.C.) 70 ; W. wood 50). 122 pts. D. Macfarlanc 73 ; 118). Drysdale (Monkland H.) 73 ; R. Clark Armour 3. Shcttlcston H. (G. Everett 4 ;I. M. Morrison 100. — Maryhill H.—(J. E. Farrell 23; J. Cloudslcy 13 ; R. Wotherspoon 15 ; W. (Glasgow Univ.) 80. 3. Clydesdale H.—(C. O'Boyle 6 ; G. at 10th pos. 35m. 20th Wright 59 ; R. A. MacDonald 114). Gorman 32). 64 pts. F. Lindon 52 ; Times 46s.; 36m. White 11; P. Younger 12; J. Hume 30th 37m. 40th 38m. 50th J. McDincs 65. 46s.; 30s.; 0s.; 30 ; J. Higginson 52 ; J. Young 53). Individual Entrants i 38m. 29s.; 60th 39m. 30s.; 70th 40m. 44s. 4. Springburn H. (A. Fulton 10 ; 164 pts. R. Boyd 77 ; J. Duffy 99 ; W. H. Gibson (Ham. H.) 22 ; C. Fraser — Gordon 26; 30; D. Hyslop 105 ; D. Bowman 111; M. (Edin. East. H.) 26 ; T. D. Rcid (Lark- J. J. Jackson YOUTHS' 3 MILES. Buchanan 41). 107 pts. W. Loughlan Harvey 119. hall Y.M.) 31 ; A. Duthic (Babcock & 47. Individual > 4. Greenock Wellpark H. (J. Steven¬ Wilcox) 34 ; J. Timmons (Dumbarton 1. W. Goodwin, Bella. H. 16m. 40s. — 5. Vict. Park A.A.C. (J. Russell 3 ; son 2 ; T. Stevenson 5 ; G. King 24 ; A.A.C.) 38 ; A. Haddcn (Aberdeen — 2. J. Wright, Clydesdale 16m. 54s. Whitelaw 36 ;W. Bums 37 ;P. Keenan C. Aitkcn 56 ;J. Cairns 63 ; W. Stoddart A.A.C.) 41 ; J. Hepburn (East Kilbride) J. 3. J. Ewing, V.P.A.A.C. 16m. 59s. 38). 114 pts. K. Warden 76. 72). 222 pts. P. McLaughlan 104 ; D. 42 ; R. Miller (Kilmarnock A.C.) 49 ; 4. G. Govan, Shett. Harr. 17m. 26s. Anderson 113; R. G. Beaton 121. R. Stewart (Edin. H.) 51 ; A. Fleming 6, Braidburn A.C.—(I. Drevcr 19 ; 5. R. Patcrson, S'allan Sch 17m. 41s. 5. Springburn H.—(T. O'Reilly 25 ; (Cambuslang) 58 ; McElroy (Shett. B. D. Underhill 34 ; M. Hamilton 39 ; J. J. Team : D. G. MacKay 33 ; J. McCormick 54 ; H.) 62 ; W. McBrinn (Monkland H.) Corbctt 44). 136 pts. Peutherer 55. J. J. 1. Shettleston H. (G. Govan 4 ; I. A. Stevenson 60 ; D. Wallace 61 ; J. 64 ; H. R. Phillip (Edin. E. H.) 65 ; — 7. Edin. South. H. (R. McAllister Donald 12 ; J. Begley 13 ; T. Mc- McGale 68). 301 pts. J. Hart 89; A. McDougall (V. of L.) 69 ; Smith — J. J. 25 ;N. Ross 33 ;A. Ross 53 ;N. Halver- Cluskie 21). 50 pts. P. McMahon 76 ; Price 112. (Larkhall Y.M.) 79 ; K. Phillips (Beith son 57). 168 pts. E. Clark 68 ; J. Hcggie T. McPhail 78. 6. Falkirk Vict. H.—(D. Clelland 15 ; H.) 82 ; C. Donald (Aberdeen A.A.C.) 69. 2. Clydesdale H.—(J. Wright 2 ; R. A. Crawford 40 ; R. Sinclair 44 ; G. 87; S. Maxwell (Beith H.) 93; J. 8. Cambuslang H. (B. Morton 17 ; Clark 7 ; Hyslop 15 ; D. Stirrat 30). Jackson 45 ; T. Lindsay 67 ; A. Cook Garvey (V. of L.) 95 ; H. Garvey — J. W. Mulroonie 46 ; I. Tiemey 49 ; J. 54 pts. J. McDonald 70 ; W. Roddick 94). 305 pts. (V. of L.) 101 ;D. D. Todd (Kilmarnock Lyle 78). 190 pts. 71. f \ / V

14 THE SCOT ATHLETE THE SCOTS ATHLETE 15 3. Braidburn A.C.—(I. M. Hepburn Maguinncs (V. of L.) 81 ; R. Irvine (Scot.) 49.38; 53, J. Marshall (Ireland) 440 yards champion. He competes, and 6 ; V. King 25 ; J. Drever 26 ; D. W. (Gk. Wellpark H.) 88 ; A. Boyd (Gk. 49.41; 54, J. McGhee (Scot.) 49.47; 55, wins, the 220 yards and J mile. B. P. James (Wales) 49.59; 56, Augusto Skillin 27). 84 pts. T. Howie 35 ; P. Wellpark H.) 89. Ifound myself wishing that a similar Silva (Port.) 49.59; 57, T. Stevenson W. Masterton 39 ; I. M. Thomson 58. Times at 10th pos. 17m. 59s.; 20lh 18m. league could be formed Glasgow (Scot.) 50.12; 58, Douglas (Ireland) for the 4. Victoria Park A.A.C.—(J. Ewing 29s.; 30th 18m. 47s. J. When high 50.37; 59, J. Dias Santos (Port.) 50.51; clubs. one considers the 3 ; R. Lees 11 ; A. Scholcs 37; W. standard of the Glasgow inter-club contest INTERNATIONAL CC 60, J. Stevenson (Scot.) 50.54; 61, W. Lees 43 . 94 pts. R. Ralston 60 ; J. such a project is very desirable. The SAN SEBASTIAN. Dodds (Ire.) 50.56; 62, Armando Silva Scholcs 77. Committee of the inter-club contest would Details i (Port.) 50.57; 63, L. Hanna (Ire.) 51.36; 5. Aberdeen A.C. (G. Wilson 17 be doing Glasgow athletes a great service A. — ; 1. F. D. Sando (England) ... 46.09 64, L. Bcvan (Wales) 51.46; 65, J. Brown S. Taylor 18 ; I. Clark 23 ; Suther¬ if they would have their contest weekly G. 2. H. V. Foord (England) ... 46.33 (Ire.) 51.56; 66, D. Appleby (Ire.) 52.18; land 45). 103 pts. in the form of a league thus giving club 3. K. L. Norris (England) 46.35 67, F. Walker (Ire.) 54.29. ... members the chance of having a scratch 6. Sprinyburn H. (E. Sinclair 16 ; 4. L. Thcys (Belgium) 46.41 — race each week. Ifeel that one of the G. Evans 31 ; T. Craig 34 ; A. Shaw 5. A. Amoros (Spain) 46.48 I. Binnie (Scotland), A. Ben Lahcem reasons for Scotland being so far behind 40). 121 pts. D. Wilmouth 51 ; G. 6. W. P. Ranger (England) ... 46.54 (France), did not finish. England in athletics is the lack of full Lickerish 52; R. Coylc 57; F. Mc- 7. E. L. Hardy (England) ... 46.55 Teams : distance races available to athletes at Donachy 67. 8. M. R. Maynard (England) 46.56 home. If The Scots Athlete " would 7. Bellahouston H. (W. Goodwin 9. Ben Aissa (France) 46.57 1. England ( 1. 2. 3. 6. 7. 8) 27 " — give such a league its backing Ifeel sure 1 ; W. Wright 28 ; I. Richmond 55 ; 10. L. Garcia (Spain) 46.59 2. Belgium ( 4.12.15.16.26.29) 102 all concerned would benefit. A. Watt 69). 153 pts. A. Clark 56 ; B. 11, G. Rhodes (England) 47.06; 12, M. 3. Spain ( 5.10.21.22.23.28) 109 Gray Laere (Belg.) 47.10; 13, Com Such a league should include races for 74. Van 4. France ( 9.13.17.19.24.34) 116 8. Irvine Y.M.C.A. H.—(T. Parker (France) 47.18; 14, M. Faria (Portugal) boys and youths as well as juniors and 5. Portugal (14.18.25.41.47.56) 201 10 ; J. Nelson 33 ; R. Kennedy 36 ; W. 47.25; 15, F. Herman (Bclg.) 47.28; 16, seniors. One of the things which im¬ Milling 84). 163 pts. R. Dcwccr (Bclg.) 47.36; 17, M. Ben 6. Wales (31.32.33.37.39.40) 212 pressed me most was the number of 9. Dundee Hawkhill H.—(A. Smith Said (France) 47.42; 18, J. Silva (Port.) 7. Scotland (35.42.48.51.52.54) 282 youngsters competing in the Fenland 24 ; I. McDougall 42 ; L. Simpson 53 ; 47.43; 19, Prat (France) 47.48; 20, K. 8. Ireland (36.44.53.58.61.63) 315 League. There is more interest taken in J. Smith 61). 180 pts. J. Thomson 79. F. Cauldcr (England) 47.49; 21, F. Irizar athletics in schools here and subsequently 10. Garscube H.—(A. MacDonald 29 ; (Spain) 47.50; 22, F. Ccrezo (Spain) more boys become actively interested in J. Stewart 47; D. McFadycn 54; J. 47.53; 23, F. Bidcgui (Spain) 47.55; 24, OUR POST the sport. Mair 65). 195 pts. J. Mailer 72. Chicane (France) 47.57; 25, J. Araujo League Contests Advocated. On another note I would also like to 11. Monkland H. (A. Clark 46; S. (Port.) 48.01; 26, Davignon (Bclg.) — M. suggest that the promoters of open sports Kerr 49 S. Hendry 56 Strombcrg Boak 48.04; ; ; D. 48.03; 27, W. (England) Dear Mr. Ross, meetings in Scotland would do well to 83). 234 pts. 28, A. Aguirre (Spain) 48.09; 29, M. Iam at present doing my consider the inclusion of races over the 12. Cambuslang H. (I. H. Fleming Vandcwattync (Bclg.) 48.19; 30 E. — National Service in England which has 1 mile or 1 mile for youths. At present 38 ; P. Mulrooney 62 ; J. Cunningham Moreno (Spain) 48.20; 31, D. J. P. given me a fine opportunity to take a the youths sprints arc doing well if they 66 ; A. Dougall 73). 239 pts. Richards (Wales) 48.24; 32, K. Hucklc closer look at athletics south of the border. draw a dozen entries whereas over 100 13. East Kilbride Y.M.—(P. Tonner (Wales) 48.25; 33, P. R. LI. Morgan youths When the last cross-country season closed compete in the National cross¬ 44 ; T. Young 64 ; R. Miller 80 ; F. (Wales) 48.26; 34, Blusson (France) Ihad the pleasure of running for Slcaford country championship each year. These Derricott 87). 295 pts. 48.30; 35, E. Bannon (Scotland) 48.31; A.C. a Lincolnshire club who compete in young cross-country runners are, for the Failed to close in j 36, D. O'Gorman (Ireland) 48.35; 37, the Fenland League." This league is most part, without a race on a Saturday Edin. North. H.—(W. G. Heatlie 59 ; I. Dislcy (Wales) 48.41; 38, P. Dc- " J. organised and run by the clubs who afternoon during the summer and this G. M. Stewart 82 ; G. K. Allan 85). pauw (Belg.) 48.44; 39, A. F. Pumfrcy compete in weekly matches. The matches inactivity leads, Iam afraid, to many of Motherwell Y.M.C.A. H. (A. Fothcr- (Wales) 48.46; 40, N. E. Wilson (Wales) them losing — include events for "boys" (up to 880 interest in the sport. ington 8 ; J. Poulton 20). 48.47; 41, F. Luis (Port.) 48.48; 42, D. yards)," "youths" (up to 1 mile), Trusting my humble suggestions Hamilton H.—(T. McCaffcrty 22 ; ;J. Hcnson (Scotland) 48.58; 43, J. Guixa will "Juniors" (all events) and seniors. There receive favourable consideration those Orr 50. (Spain) 49.00; 44, C. B. Owens ((Ire.) with arc 6 clubs in the league and all members who can put them into effect. Individual Entrants j 49.03; 45, Chiclet (France) 49.11; 46, get the chance of scratch races in any D. Simpson (Shotts M.W.) 9 ; R. Irvine R. Daniels (Bclg.) 49.12; 47, A. Ventura Iremain, event. These meetings arc a fine build-up (Ed. East. H.) 32; T. Gunning (St. (Port.) McLaren (Scotland) 49.13; 48, J. for the season proper and one well known Yours in Sport, Modan's) 41 ; Clifford (Shotts M.W.) 49.25; 49, F. Vanderhoven (Belg.) 49.31; J. athlete who avails himself of this Joe Connolly, 63 ; D. Frascr (Edin. H.) 68 ; M. 50, L. Larraza (Spain) 49.35; 51, W. F. opportunity is Peter Fryer the A.A.A. Bcllahouston Napier (G'nock. Wellpark H.) 75 ; F. Lindsay (Scot.) 49.36; 52, A. H. Brown IJ.