As early as the beginning of February the coach sent out a call for candidates. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors responded in such numbers as to make it apparent that the boys were in hearty accord with the new spirit of things.
Even while winter storms were howling practice was begun in the gymnasium. A net cage to protect the walls and windows from damage was arranged. Often while the snowflakes pattered against the panes aspiring candidates labored zealously to perfect themselves in the national sport.
Steele began to drill "Jack Frost" and Willie Singleton who soon gave promise of becoming real pitchers. Charlie Blake, wishing to retrieve his reputation, worked diligently. So did stout Dave Brandon. The football team of which he and Bob Somers had been members had received its bumps at the hands of Rockville Academy only a few months before, and Dave did not wish to leave school with memories of defeat lingering in his mind.
Perhaps, after all, the biggest figure in these events was Tom Clifton. He had had printed a set of by-laws which were to govern the acts of the athletic association. Tom was mighty proud of this achievement, for even Coach Steele expressed the opinion that they were very good. There was no more strenuous candidate for a position on the team than the tall senior, who was usually the first in the gym and the last to leave.
The greatest danger which the coach had to contend with was the tendency of the boys to overdo things. As the time for a definite selection of players drew near interest increased. The adherents of rival candidates began to be heard. The Somersites, however, seemed to be in the great majority, several of the Ramblers being almost certain of winning places on the team.
The Kingswood High School was surrounded by spacious grounds in which, only a few moments' walk from the main building, stood the gymnasium.
Early on the afternoon following the introduction of Owen Lawrence into the select company of the "Pie-eaters," a great crowd of students directed their steps toward it. A cold, drizzly rain fell steadily; a brisk wind shook and rattled the branches of the stately elm on the campus. But the unpleasant weather could not kill the ardor and enthusiasm of the boys.
Coats were doffed, and once again purple and white sweaters made an aggressive note of color amid the surroundings.
Among the throng who came to look on were "Crackers" Brown, Owen Lawrence, Ted Pollock and Benny Wilkins.
"Start 'er going, fellows!"