The press agent for the Olympic tryouts at the Coliseum the 16th inst. dropped in again last night, as is his daily habit.  This time he came burdened with the startling information that "Frank Wykoff is working out privately and in secret."  It seems, according to the press agent, that Wykoff doesn't want Charley Paddock or any of his other foes to know what he's doing.

Not only is Wykoff working out secretly, but it is positively announced that "he is training behind closed doors."  Now this is a startling departure from the approved method of training for an outdoor race.  You'd think that Wykoff would prefer to get out in the open and do his stuff; but no sirree, "he's training behind closed doors at Glendale High School."  If you don't believe it just drop out and see him in action any afternoon, if you can get in.

However, the press agent assured us that "Wykoff is not going through any special signal drill nor is he perfecting any tricks which he hopes to keep away from his opponents."  He's absolutely above board about the whole matter, and well wear no mustache to deceive his foes, "merely hoping to cloak himself in a smoke screen of uncertainty, not allowing his rivals to know how fast he really is."  It is to be hoped that the "smoke screen" will no envelope Wykoff as he dashes for the tape on the 16th inst., lest he be lost to the sight of the judges.

It is further stated that Paddock recently opined that he though Wykoff probably wouldn't make the Olympic team, and that Frank is "peeved to such an extent the he is determined to win a berth on the team even if he has to humble Paddock to so so."  This is hardly the proper spirit for a high school youth to show toward the greatest sprinter of all time and all devout track fans are waiting with gaping mouths to learn that Wykoff has been misquoted

All joshing to one side, as the boys say, Wykoff steps into fast company for the first time in his career.  No sane sports follower doubts that Frank is a fine runner.  He won the national junior A.A.U.  "100" in 10 flat last year which stamps him as one of the best young sprinters in the nation.  But in Paddock and Charley Borah he is meeting two of the greatest gallopers of all time.

Wykoff will be Glendale's entrant in the tryouts.  He has joined the Los Angeles Athletic Club but will not represent that organization until after the tryouts. Glendale is entitled to the honor which Wykoff will acquire by his sprinting and the Mercury officials have no desire to steal any glory from "The Fastest growing city in the world."

Frank Lombardi will run under the colors of L.A. High, also waiting until after the tryouts to officially represent the L.A.A.C.

Paddock, Wykoff, Lombardi and Hugh Piney will run a week from today in a special meet at Santa Barbara.  These four will go after the world's record for the 440-yard relay.  The mark is 41s. flat, held by the Newark A. C., and made last July at Lincoln, Neb.  It ought to be an attempt well worth seeing for all are great relay runners. (article added 8-24-03)