Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

Page Thirty-four THE MAROON TIGER A ''Banquet J. H. Gad,son, Jr., ’27 “Whether in defeat or victory We are loyal just the same.” Embodied in these words lies the mark of dis- tinc.icn bcLv.ccn the strong and the weak; between the false and the real; be.ween loyalty and perfidy; even between the Morehouse man and the tempera- menial spectator. Never before in recent football history of the college has there been a more splen did opportunity of putting into practice these par ticular words of our college song, because the “Fighting Tiger” has been victor for quite a long period. The Morehouse spirit has not waned. As evi dence of this a number of Morehouse devotees and football enthusiasts cheerfully assembled around banquet tables, the evening of December It. Scarcely before the last mouthful of the main course was engulfed the familiar voice of “Doc” Jones, the veteran toastmaster and, trusted friend of the boys, filled the assembly room. It was not at all surprising to witness sudden outbursts of hilarity occasioned by some witty or ironical utter ance escaping the lips of this jolly toastmaster. The first gentleman to grace the assembly with a cheerful speech was the faithful manager, Mr. J. W. Carten. His seat was resumed after a short talk in which he pledged his loyalty by telling of his intention to join next year’s squad. Follow ing his remarks came those of Captain-elect E. D. Lattimer, the sturdy tackle of many frays. When asked why it was that a certain opposing player was able to make an unusually long run his answer in subs ance was, “I was too busy in the perform ance of my assigned task to see who was in error. Captain Lattimer was assured that the whole squad would support him Mr. W. C. Kelley, enthusiastic alumnus of ’22 and charging halfback on the Tiger championship team of ’22, was presented. Mr. Kelley attempted to explain in a very acceptable manner the causes of the present team’s handicap. His attributive reasons being, transition of style of game, loss of valuable players; and combatting with strongest opponents early in the season. After a rather lengthy introduction, the toast master introduced Morehouse’s pioneer coach and beloved president, John Hope. Dr. Hope waived all formality and gave us a good old time heart-to- heart talk covering many topics. In the outset he assured the team that he had not at one time ceased “keeping the faith.” Amid tempestuous storm as well as balmy calm his true colors floated high. He extended words of encouragement and thanks to the coaches who relentlessly carried out their du ties throughout the season. Suddenly he changed the scene from (hat of an unpleasant year in which all hopes and ambition had been besmirched with de feat to that of a new year, with time for practice, planning and VICTORY. Dr. Hope did not take his seat before making this rather significant state ment in effect, “Regardless of the straights that Morehouse may get into for athletes, never will there come a time when she will sacrifice her honor and integri'y as well as pollute the game by offer ing financial inducements to athletes.” Captain N. .B Cooke, the reliable varsity guard of six seasons and famed all-southern, who would not allow physical defects to hamper his football career told of his unshakened confidence in his team-mates and how it was re assured when on one instance the crippled Tiger did not allow one of its strongest opponents to gain five inches of ground over its line. Alternate Captain S. H. Archer, the unassum ing fighter who gives his all every time he puts on a fooffiall cr basket ball uniform, utterly sur prised the attentive assembly when he proved that he waan orator of exceptional ability. He closed his remarks by expressing regrets that he had no further opportunity to give his aU again on the grioiron lor his dear Alma Mater. He was followed by the o her half of he forward pass combination, R. W. Dezon. end on the Tiger eleven. The remarks of this mighty player were few but significant. He closed by saying that whenever Morehouse plays a game in the fu ure, the team will consist of twelve players- he will be the twelfth. J. H. Gadson, Jr., the guard who attempted to give his all despite physical encumbrances gave a few remarks telling how football instilled in him the fighting spirit. Mr. C. W. Green, a trustworthy alumnus end renowned quarterback of the old Tiger team, spoke next. He spoke briefly, bringing to light many interesting events of the good old days gone by A very creditable talk was made by Coach Rob inson the young, efficient coach, who hails from Oberlin College. He said in well chosen words that he had been engulfed by the Morehouse spirit since being here; how the fellows gathered around him and fough‘ as if he had been with them for a long time. He awarded the highly prized certificates of honor to the following: Captain Cooke, Alternate Captain Archer, Cap- tain-elect; Lattimer, C. Davis, Allen, T. L. Sigler, C. D. Clark, H. Finley, J. Lewis, R. W Degon, B. Blackburn, John Saunders, C. H. Robinson, H. L. Mosely, J. W. Lyons and J. H. Gadsc.i, Jr. The following ladies were present, Mrs. J. W. Lyons, Mrs. S. H. Archer, Mrs. L. Eichelberger, Mrs. B. T. Harvey, Mrs. E. Birkstiner. The honor of speaking on behalf of the ladies was bestowed upon Mrs. Lyons. Her remarks were brief and to the point, being expressive of her undying faith in Morehouse men and expressive of many hopes of a victorious coming season. Archer, Degon, Gadson, Clark and Oliver, cog nizant of the fact that they shall have no further op portunity of visiting another banquet as players were filled with genuine grief which almost burst forth in sorrowful emotion as the closing song “Morehouse College” was sung.