There were rumors that the Athletic Board was planning a startling change in the coaching system of the school and that, because of Haxton’s failure, it was decided to return to the system of student management. The meeting of the board was awaited with great interest. During the first few weeks after the Christmas holidays no move was made by the board. The basket-ball team played its scheduled games under the direction of its captain, but, although the weather was favorable, no call came for the candidates for the baseball team. It was known that the faculty, aroused by the Haxton incident, was in consultation with the athletic leaders, and striving to evolve a system of handling all sports.
One bright morning, when the early trade-winds were sweeping away the fogs and the sun was shining temptingly, Professor Terbush summoned the members of the Athletic Board to his classrooms, and, an hour later, Clark, who for two years had been one of the student members of the board, emerged and posted a notice upon the bulletin board.
Larry Kirkland, with Winans, was strolling toward the hall, when a shout attracted their attention and, an instant later a cheering mob of Freshmen and Sophomores bore down upon them, and forming a ring, gave three cheers.
“What’s this all about?” demanded Larry, breathless as the fellows pulled and dragged at him, all striving to shake his hand at once. “Let up. What’s happened?”
Still cheering, they dragged him toward the bulletin board and he blinked, as he read:
NOTICE
Candidates for the baseball squad will report to Captain Kirkland at the baseball field, 3 P. M. to-morrow.
E. G. Clark,
Acting Manager.
Larry stood staring at the poster, as if unable to grasp its meaning.