Article - reprint of the Tribune-Capitol 6-11-30

FORMER DES MOINES BOY

 HAS MANY TROPHIES

Frank Wykoff, Here on Visit Describes

Training for Recent Thrilling Dash

By:  Ted Ashby

Tribune - Capitol - 6-11-1930

To the king belongs the jewelry that goes with the throne.  Seventy medals and eleven wrist watches are among the gold and silverware possessed by Frank Wykoff, former Des Moines boy, who established himself as monarch of dash men at Chicago Saturday (6-7-30) by running 100 yards in 9 2-5 seconds.

Visiting in Des Moines Wednesday, the modest, unassuming University of Southern California athlete outlined the manner in which he spent the hours that led up to the race in which he established a world's record and defeated the pick of America's short dash men.

Lack of Interest Dangerous

"Friday, the day before the race, I had difficulty in keeping my mind on the race," Wykoff commented, "an even to which I have been pointing throughout spring track activities.  After you've run a great deal there is danger of the thrill wearing off and I always like to keep myself pepped up over a race.

"On the track Friday afternoon I felt a distinct lack of interest in the procedure.  I didn't care whether I ran or not.  But I managed to run the '100' on 9 3-5 seconds.  Friday night I began to regain my interest in Saturday's event.  I wanted very much to bring to the university I represent the honor of first place in that race.

Just Before the Dash

"Friday evening I went to a show, but left the theater at 9 o'clock so that I might get a good sleep.  I slept soundly and arose at 7:45 a.m. Breakfast consisted of two soft boiled eggs and a slice of toast.  I loafed around the hotel during the morning and wrote a few letters.  At 11 o'clock I at a steak, which had three hours to digest.

"I felt great upon arriving at the track, which was a bit soft on top but in good condition underneath.  It seemed advisable to use starting blocks, but I decided not to.  George Simpson, Ohio State's great runner, was the only other man in the race who didn't use them.  The gun cracked; we were off; I ran hard and happened to win -- that's all.  I always try to win if I can, but if I lose I try to be the first to congratulate the winner."

Gives Mother Credit

Wykoff, who left Des Moines with his family when he was 4 year old (1913), is spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Bagg, 3111 South West Ninth street.  He lives with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Wykoff at 617 Portola avenue, Glendale, Cal.  He weighs 147 pounds when fit for a race and is 5 feet 9 inches tall.

Credit for his success as a sprinter is awarded by the genial collegian to his coach and his father and mother.

"My mother always cooks these things that are best for me to eat while in training." he said, "and my father has insisted on my getting to bed early at night as long as I can remember.  What success has come to me I owe to them."

Advised to Quit Football

He has never had a desire to compete in other track or field events, with the exception of the 220-yard dash.  He likes football and played it in high school, but his college coach suggested that he abandon that sport and all others for track.

As a high school boy in Glendale, he won the 100 meters event at the 1928 Olympic games.  Right now he is thinking about the 1932 Olympic games at Los Angeles and hopes to be at his best in those races.  Wykoff is a faithful and constant trainer during the racing season.

"I get very heavy just as soon as I stop training," he said, "and weighed more than 160 pounds the last time I got out of condition.  Guess I weigh about 150 right now.  I want to work out each day while I'm here, as there are several races to be run this summer."

Odd Collection of Prizes

In addition to his medals, cups, and watches, which he did not bring with him, Wykoff has won two sets of gold running shoes and some handbags and blankets won in Canada.  Canadians, he pointed out, award articles of everyday use instead of medals.

"I have one bad habit when I'm running," the University of Southern California star confessed, "of which, try as I might, I cannot rid myself.  As we race for the tape I have an uncontrollable desire to glance to my left occasionally; never to my right.  I hate it because I'm afraid it gives the people in the stands an idea that I think I'm good and can afford to look around."

Asked if the presence of runners racing at his elbows bothered him. Wykoff asserted that it does not.  He is also aware, he says, whether he is running his best race or proceeding with a jerky, straining motion that cannot win for him.  He is unable to describe the ability that a runner has to sense the position on the track of his opponents without actually seeing them.  Wykoff is in his fastest stride thirty yards from the starting point.

His favorite expression is "okay."

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