The Great Northern Track: Tacoma’s Y.M.C.A. Seizes the Crown of Athletic Excellence

TACOMA, March 3 — Athletic life in Tacoma will be on a firm basis during the routine spring and summer. The future looks bright to athletic officials in the formative interests.

The Y.M.C.A. in Tacoma is in excellent position to take the lead over the regular old-line athletic clubs in the matter of active athletic work and interest. The foundation laid from Tacoma is vital to athletic efforts in the formative interests.

A deal has just been consummated whereby the Y.M.C.A. leases the old Tacoma athletic club track in the North End for one year, with the refusal at its term for another year. Tracks will be installed as soon as the snow permits, and with the first warm weather, the track will be used.

The grand stand against time, and the building will require thorough repair, though the track is really in remarkable condition for so long a period. A shower bath will be provided in connection with an outdoor shower place where the sun can take the chill off the athlete. Three new tracks will be put in use, and tournaments organized. The team is already on the line course, and they are only waiting for rolling.

The bicycle men will be able to go every day, and the track will be kept even smoother and watered so as to keep it in good condition. A man will be stationed at the grounds whose duty will be to look after the field and track in good condition for immediate use. The course will be kept as one of the privileges of the Y.M.C.A., which will give a serious shock to the would-be turf athletes who, for a number of years, have trained there unbidden and uninvited.

The establishment of the ground will by no means forbid the ability of a great training ground for the club and runs. This small area will probably be leased on Third Avenue, extending from the present quarters of the Y.M.C.A. office. With many advantages of proximity to the grounds, it is probable both grounds will be well kept up. It is necessary to have some spare ground sufficient for the same men, and this has necessitated the addition of the new site to the Y.M.C.A. athletic facilities.

At present, important programs are being prepared. But as soon as the weather will permit, these will be handed out. Soon contests at the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium will be held. When we have a combined committee against race, it will be charged. Preparations are already being made for a big track and field meet in the early spring.

Seattle, Washington, Whitworth, Fort Townsend, and Portland have all been invited to attend. Such a school meet will commence from Seattle, but another will be given in Tacoma immediately after.