Frank Wykoff for his subject A examination, wrote a theme on "My Work during the Past Year." Knowing that many friends would be interested, Frank's permission to publish this theme was sought and graciously granted.  It is herewith presented:

Click above photo to enlarge

"My work during the past term was very interesting.  I had decided to become a coach, because of the interest and respect that I had for both the profession and the men engaged in it; those fine fellows who were helping me to achieve success.  I was working out on the track one night when I realized that I had an opportunity before me which I could not afford to miss.  I had been told by different coaches that I had the ability to become America's greatest sprinter, and I realized that if I could prove my ability by conquering Charles Paddock on June 16, 1928, I would then be in the eyes of the public. Thus I could gain publicity which would help me to later secure a coaching position when I went into the world.

"I then settled down to hard work.  Every night I would practice with the thought of someday becoming America's champion sprinter.

"On June 16, 1928, after carefully taking instructions from my coach I went to my marks in an effort to accomplish the work I had been preparing myself for during the past term.  Knowing I was in the best condition possible I kept very calm and patiently waited for the race to begin.  The athletes were called to their marks and given final instructions.  Every man seemed to be in top form.

"It was only seconds now before the race would be started and over, and the reports spread throughout the country.  I took a few deep breaths as I settled down in my holes, and then waited for the report of the gun to start the big race.  I thought of my position and how I must start, and the stride I would have to take to accomplish the task of winning.  I was ready for the race and at the report of the gun took my first step rather slow, making sure of my footing, and then giving everything which I believe is possible for a human to give in such a race.  As I slowly took the lead I realized that I was running better than ever before, and if I could keep the stride I had, I would win the race.  I kept the stride and won, and I really believe it was simply because I was determined that my best was as good, if not better than that of my opponents.

"After this victory I had more confidence in myself and knew that if I could reach the same peak of training at the Cambridge meet, in Boston, Massachusetts, I had a chance to represent the United States in the Olympic Games at Amsterdam, Holland.  I again went through the same process of training, and again came out victorious at Boston.  I was then representing the United States.

"Leaving New York on the S.S. President Roosevelt,' I found that training on an ocean voyage was altogether different from the method and conditions I was accustomed to.  I was not able to train, for the training facilities were not of my type.  I ran the same race for America that I had run numerous times before for Glendale, but I was not running as I had before.  It seemed as though there were weights hanging on my feet and I was not able to pick them up and lay them down as I had done only a few weeks before.

"I was defeated fairly, and squarely; therefore, I took defeat with a smile and was the first to congratulate the winner (Percy Williams of Canada)."

END

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  OTHER NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

Concerning USA Athletes Complaints against

the 1928 Olympics at Amsterdam

1.  Athletes Harmed by Boat Quarters

2.   "Lack of Training Facilities"  at Amsterdam

3.  Track not ready for Athletes in Amsterdam

4.  Training on a voyage difficult