Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 14

COHN-ING TOWER By Art Cohn Sports Editor VOL CXXX- OAKLAND; CALIFORNIA, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1939 14 NO. 44 CONNIE WARMERDAM HITS THE CEILING FOR A NEW WORLD'S RECORD I WONDER Why the chairman of Stanford's Board of Athletic Control J. Wesley Howell -the gent who, prematurely and anony mouslyr popped off to a couple sport writers two weeks ago that "Tiny Thornhill must quit loafing or get out" did not attend Saturday night's important meeting of the Board when iThornhill's contract was renewed? Why the Canadian Government barred Honest John Sylvester, Oak' land tight promoter, from croialnf the border a few days ago? 1 J.iC r'y ''v 1 Why irof la apelled "whisky" on all Scotch and "whiskey" on all bourbon? Why Rasputin, the bearded t' -i: -A throughout the Wolld Feb. by shaving? Why Jimmy Phelan It Importing FOUR All-State and two All-City tars from Chicago (namei given on WWm MMtmmm eleven 17 Zd Atherton really ii working on that 20-Q-man job? If Grandpaw Jack Roper wai picked as Joe Louis' next "opponent' AFTER Mike Jacobs' saw the rushes released In which Grandpa Roper Coleman or even Hank Hanklnson? If it tint true after all that J. raailer, doetn't STAY conspicuous request) for Washington's 1930 Frosh of Max Baer'i latest movie not yet takes, a better dive than Georgia Donald Budge and Ellsworth Vines doing In Los Angeles for the past even tnougn there is no longer any art actually levelling since they're getting on each other's nerves.

because it was certainly bum business for Vines to make a public state ment a couple days ago that Budge on his best day was never a match for Tltanie Tilden. (Or Is that "subtle" peeve part of the old bullderoo, Warmerdam ,1007) What Leavitt Is and has bees WMKT TINY THORNHILL PLACED 'ON PROBATION' AT FARM Board of Control's Silence at to Duration Of Contract Indicates One-Year Tenure If Mr. W. Leiser will ever learn riot to lead with his fragile chin tause I am such a moral weakling that I just cannot resist the temptation to nang anotner pnntea k. o.

on it, By BILL TOBITT Until word to the contrary comes out of Stanford's inner circle, the public must view Claude E. "Tiny" Thornhill's reappointment as head' football coach as "probation." This reaction is predicted in the absolute refusal of the Board of Athletic Control to announce duration of his term when they recommended his reappointment Saturday night- Thornhill's retention of his job and the acceptance of his Kovacs Wins Indoor Title Tired Pat Canning Drops Women's Final To Miss Wolfenden Oakland's Frankie Kovacs fooled and fiddled but had entirely too much class for Eddie Alloo yestel day and won the men's singles title in the sixth annual Northern California indoor tennis championships at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco. Score for the final match was 6-0, 7-9, 6-4, 8-0. Kovacs started fast, won the first set in 11 minutes and then played with his opponent to lose the sec ond. The Oaklander came back strong and the final result was only ft matter of time.

Patsy Canning of Alameda had to play too much tennis Saturday and she was obviously tired in losing the wotnens title to Virginia Wolfenden, top ranking among Northern California feminine players, 4-fl, 7-5, 6-1. Ben Dey and Gerald Stratford up set Bob Pommer and Bob Underwood in the men's double final to Win 6-4, 0-11, 6-4, 6-2. Miss Wolfenden teamed with Bob Hlppenstell and lost the mixed doubles to Barbara Duncan and Norman Brooks, 7-3, 3-6, 7-6. The Kovacs, Alloo stroke recapitu lation: N. o.

p. d.p. A. Alloo 43 Kovacs 45 Nets. 0 Outs.

P-Placmnts. A -Aces. DF DoubU faults. U.S. Sextet Loses BASLE, Switzerland, Feb.

13. A burst of scoring In the first' period that netted three goals In the eighth minute swept the Canadian sextet to a 4-0 victory over the United States team In the final game of the world amateur hockey championship today. LA. INVASION Cornollua Warmerdam, Olympic Club vaulter, it shown clearing th bar at feet 8Vi laches for a new world's Indoor record at Boston Saturday night. Warmerdam's marlcf replaces George VaroH'i feet Vt inches set two years ago rt Boston.

AJ. Wirephoto. 1 proposal that Bobby Grayson remain as assistant coach indi cates a vote of confidence in him, but until the board discloses that Thornhill has been given a renewal of his three-year contract, we must assume that he will be offered only a one-year pact. THREE-HOUR 8ESSION This deduction grows naturally from the blanket of ailence which surrounded the board following adjournment of its meeting at 10:30 p.m., Saturday. The eight of the nine members who formed the quorum were in star chamber session for almost three hours which doesn't indicate unanimity of thought.

Nor does it seem likely the dura-tlon of ThornhlH'a contract woVld remain secret If he were to be given another three-year term such as has received twice since becoming head coach in 1933 upon Fop Warner's resignation. "GRAYSON TOO YOUNG" A few bitter alumni who have been sniping at Thornhill for the past four months were inferentially slapped by the board when it accepted Thornhill's recommendation that Grayson be re-appointed as assistant coach, a position he has held on a yearly basis since 1036. The wolves had howled that "Grayson is too young for the job," Cont. Page 15, Col. 4 Harrison Looms Vardon Victor Pro Golfer Finishes First in Tcxos Open To Set Torrid Pace SAN ANTONIO.

Texas, Feb. Lean E. J. (Dutch) Harrison, an amazing new character in the professionals' Winter golf swing, not only caressed some $3600 in prize money today but also threatened to win the coveted Harry Vardon Memorial trophy as the outstanding competitive player. The long-legged Arkansas boy quit caddylng only a few years back to make more money playing the game.

Yesterday he won the Texas open championship after dipping 13 strokes below par to score a spec tacular 271 for 72 holes and beat the fastest field of the tour. First figures on the P.G.A. Vardon Memorial trophy race show Harrison, also winner of the Blng Crosby open and loser pf the Oak- Cont. Page 15, Col. Bimjj, let aione sansiacuon, in ooing What John Bum Is doing for excitement these days? If there la player In Big League baseball history who can match our Ernie Lombardi's record of having stolen a grand total of five bases In ZIGHT years? If Tom Stow, Oakland tennis coach, ms the alkallzer he endorses la the newspapers? Why the German railroads press bureau sends MX publicity describing the enjoyment of a trip to Berlin? WHO Wonti Fights In Oakland? Inspector Donn Shields, the State Athletic Commission's old ultima-turn-giver, brays that Leo Leavltt must stage a fight show in Oakland by March 1 or forfeit his license to promote here.

The good Inspector la becoming naive In his second childhood. He know by now that If Lord Leavltt is not in the mood to hold a fight show by March 1, he will not do so nor will he lose his license. There was a time when too, felt, that Oakland's fight promoters should use their licenses for something else except to sleep on. Like some of my confreres, I too demanded action. For too, had the deluded belief that I was the Voice of the People when Iwas merely the Voice of Cohn.

Ah, but those days have gone with my youth. After all, there are only two reasons for holding fight shows: 1. To supply public demand and 1 To make promoters money. (Not to mention supporting such political jobs as Inspector Shields' at $375 per month.) Oakland now hat two boxing clubs, not to mention a third in the suburb of El Cerrlto. Only one fight show has been held in Oakland tines November 30 nd the next one it not tlated until March 8, if then.

While my colleagues sob bitterly both in sorrow and in anger over this situation, I consider it a blessing in disguise. Referring to the two reasons for staging fight thows, there are two corollary reasons for not holding thenii 1. Promoters don't want to make money, (So why should they be forced to do so?) 3. There is no public demand. (So why should there be any?) Obviously, Lord Leavltt and his rival promoter, Uncle Tom Simpson, have more money than they need or desire.

It Is also apparent that there is no public clamor for fights. Look at the record. Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco's leading arena, drew $950 last Friday. El Cerrlto't gate the night previously was 190. National Hall, San Francisco's second fight club, paid off on a $374 house two weeks ago.

So the public WANTS boxing, huh? Good fights, yes, But not Just fights, I have not heard, nor received a single letter from, anyone who demands weekly or monthly or even semi-annuall boxing shows here. The only guys beefing are the sport writers and they get In on passes! No, a bad fight show Is not better than no show at all. Inspector Shields, of course, doesn't know the difference. Cohn Declares War on Pat Malone Jim Tobln, contribution to the Pittsburgh pitching staff, 'dropped in to offer a bit of friendly advice: "You've given me a break or two, so I'm gonna give you a tip that may ave your life. You make a living ribbing us guys, but take my advice lay off Pat Malone.

Yeh, the new pitcher the Oaks just bought." "You mean, Jim," sezzl, "the old pitcher the Oaks Just bought." "No, no, THATS what I mean," howled Tobln, "cracks like that, Malone doesn't like 'em. And when he doesn't like a thing he does something about it." "From all I hear," aezzl, "the only things Pat likes are beer, fights beer." I "He's bad medicine, Art," Tobln insisted, "Leave him alone. Pat doesn't like sport writers, especially smart-crackers," 1 "That makes us even," sezzl, "I don't like ball players who haven't tense of humor, especially if their name it Malone." -I "One night," reminisced Tobln, "Pat went to a rassllng show. One of Ithe villains on the card shook his fist at the crowd. Malone took that as a personal insult and challenged the guy.

The rassler made a face )and said he would meet Pat after the show. "Malone was waiting for him at the dressing room door. It was a very shoA conference. Pat made one pass. Down went the rassler.

Yes, that Malone Is, tough people and, y'know, there's a rumor around iown that the only reason Vic Devincenzl bought him is to put you in your place." "That's all right with me," sezzl, "Just as long as Dewy doesn't hire aomeone to put me In HIS place. Then I would be sore because I don't like last place." "Anyway," said Tobln, in disgust, "I done my duty. My conscience is clear, no matter what happens to you. And it will happen, brother." I said it the day One Punch Malone was hired and I repeat it now: I ain't a-scared of Mr. Malone.

For during Pat't 20 (or Is it 30?) years as a pitcher, nobody in any league ever had any trouble hitting himl HANNESSCHROLL TOPS FIELD IN INTERNATIONAL SKI MEET Austrian Dud in Slalom but Amazing Race In Downhill Wins; Jumpers Here Saturday By BOB BLAKE Hannes Schroll, Austrian ace, who can travel faster on 'pair of skis than most people J. DONALD BUDGE RESTS BEFORE the combined downhill and slalom International championship trophy to call his own today. Although he only finished ninth In yesterday's championship slalom trials on the Auburn Ski Club course at Cisco, Schroll was named the man in the two-day competition, In N.Y. Meet WholciaU Attack On Indoor Records Threattned Saturday NEW YORK. Feb.

a week-end which saw plenty of action and two new world's Indoor records, Cornelius Warmerdam's cola vault of 14 feet 6Vs Inches at Boston and Barney Swell's 5.1 seconds SO yards at Philadelphia, the tracks World turned toward the second major Metropolitan meet today. This Is the New York Ath- letic Club's 70th anniversary Indoor meet at Madison Square Garden Saturday night. The results of the week-end three meets, the Penn A.C. and Seventh Eegiment affairs, Friday night, and the Boston A.A. meet ing.

Saturday, show that the ath letes have hit top form. There is a good chance of a wholesale attack on the records. Of prime Interest to those who like to see seconds and fractions of seconds shaved from world standards are the mile and two-mile events of the New York A.C. meeting. Glenn Cunningham, of course, will lira in the Baxter mile.

Ht has won it four times and should win it again. His field, includes Chuck Fenske and Archie San Bomani. Cunningham two winning miles of the past week-end, 4:15.6 at Philadelphia Friday and 4:10.8 in the Hunter, mile at Boston Saturday, prove he Is in top form for any competition that develops. The two-mile has a field equally as good. Leading the American contingent is Don Lash, former world record holder, with 8:58.

Other domestic runners are Tommy Deck-ard, the" veteran Joe McCluskey, Forest Efaw of Oklahoma and George de George of the New York A.C. The foreign menace is Mikios Szabo, the Hungarian who holds the world's record of 8:56 and who is anxious to atone for his poor showing here in the Winter of 1937. Roy Staley, who cracked the 60-yard high hurdle record at the Millrose meet, will take a try at his own standard In the event. Herbert Thompson, the sprint winner at the Millrose and Boston meets, will defend his position as the Nascent season's first sprinter, against a strong field. Jimmy Herbert, winner of the Buermeyer 500 a year ago, will try to repeat in this race against Canada's Bill Fritz, who won the Hollls 600 at Boston in 1:12.8, and Dick Gill of the Boston A.A.

The Halpin half-mile has drawn John Borican, who was disappointing in his mile debut against the Rideout twins, Blaine and Wayne. Borican finished a poor third as Blaine stepped off a 4:14.7 mile on the flat Seventh Regiment Armory track, but he Is good enough to beat his competition at this distance. Charley Bcetham, Ross Bush and Sanford Goldberg are entered. Robinson to U.C.L.A. PASADENA, Feb.

13. (IP) U.CL.A.'s faltering track and field hopes were bolstered today by the promised enrollment this week of Jackie Robinson, Pasadena J.C.'s Natlonnl A.A.U. junior broadjump champion, Millich, Hill Top National Card Tonight Newsboy Milllch the Sacramento slugger who kayped Nash Garrlspn and then declsioned Buddy Holz-hauer in Oakland last month can Increase his stature as a heavyweight tonight in the 8-round main event at National Hall, San Francisco. Millich takes on 'Silent" Joe Hill, the deaf mute from Los Angeles, who claims a kayo victory over Lou Nova as an amateur. Hill is unbeaten in his six bouts as a pro, his last victim having been Hank Bath, Jack Reams' ex-meal ticket.

In the supporting card: Jute Rymer vs. Ray Price, lightweights. Frank la Cervent v. Ray Woods, featherweights. cirimelle vs.

Ray Santana, featherweights. Mlchiiel Hhea vs, Ralph McCoy, mldillewelRhts. Vukt Austin. Nearo, vs. Johnny Crawford, middleweight 4 4 can drive an has Gael Tossers Beat Broncs; 8-3 Players Give Coach Sheely Birthday Gift In League Opener By EDDIE MURPHY At least two great men were born on February 12 President Lincoln and Earl Sheely, the latter coach of St.

Mary'a baseball team. The. universe agrees on Lincoln and every member of the Gael baseball team is. of the opinion the universe should also look on Sheely as one of the greatest baseball coaches in the. country.

The ball tossers of the Moraga institution celebrated Lincoln's and Sheely's birthday yesterday by winning their first game in the California Intercollegiate League, defeating the Santa Clara Broncos, 8 to 3. Sheely, born on February 12, 1893, hoped to keep it a secret was born on the day Lincoln hnnnrH thrftiiehout the United' States, but when the ball tossers started singing "Happy birthday to you," he had no alternative and had to confess in what year he was born. BIRTHDAY PRESENT It was a dandy birthday present the Gael toesert gave their coach in the decisive win over Santa Clara. Stanford and the Gaels are in deadlock for first place in the Intercollegiate League, each with a win to their credit for their initial games. The Gael victory yesterday left the Broncs two down as they were defeated Saturday by Stanford in the first game of the league BRONCOS RUN WELD Clint Evans' California Bears are without a record in the loop as they will not play their first league until February 25 when they meet the Gaels at Berkeley.

It will be pennant raising day for the Bears, who copped the 1938 crown. Both fmmmymm Smith smrm r4 't V. Illlilfc Extreme speed captured the downhill race for him Satur day, and this same speed nearly cost him the international title when he spilled more than once trying to negotiate Dr. Joel H. Hildebrand's tough flag course, Schroll, Who can almost be considered a native son because he has applied for his citizenship papers, and now resides at Norden, had a 230.23 total to edge Fred Iseling of France, who finished with 233.99.

ISEL1NO BUN PERFECT Iselifi gave a perfect slalom exhibition, taking his two trials Without one fall, and turning In the fastest times. However, Iseling finished third, and too many seconds behind Schroll in the downhill to gain the top spot In the point standings. The slalom races brought out another field of ski stars, and the Western skiers were the complete surprise of the competition, which was run in a light show storm all afternoon. Carl Bechdolt, president of the Tahoe Ski Club and once the St. Mary'a College one-man ski team, finished second In the slalom with a two-trial total of 1:62.8.

Roy Mik-kelsen, Auburn Ski Club member, was third with a total of 1:63.29. SNOW HITS VISITORS More than 2000 people, the majority from Oakland and San Francisco, were Cisco visitors for the Competition. After spending the entire afternoon skiing, watching the slalom races, and, of all things, listening to Max Baer offer advice on how to race, the crowd really had to battle their way to shelter when the snowstorm broke with unusual results, added a new blanket, to the ground, and sent the snow plows on the highway into action. Friedl Pfeifer of Germany, considered the best slalom racer In the sport, did not compete. Contrary to some reports, Pfeifef sprained his ankle in the downhill race, and spent the entire afternoon soaking his feet in hot water.

The third event of the international competition will start next Saturday on Treasure Island, when too lumpers of the country go off a Night Life of a Sports Editor A bell rang In the night. I heard it first in a dream, then it became louder and louder. First, like the chimes of London's Big Ben. Then like the shrill peal of Berkeley's Campanile. And finally like the noon front The Tribune Tower.

Then I woke up. Even I cannot sleep through that noon blast from The Tribune; As a matter of fact. It wakes me up every day. There I was Sunday, 2:08 A.M. roused from my innocent slumber.

And cursing all bells, It being the first time in a week I had gone to bed before 8:30. Again and again the bell clanged. The door? No. The alarm clock? No. Then I deducted It must be the telephone.

I always was clever figuring out things that way. "Hello, Cohnl" hello'd a gent's voice on the other end of the wire "Who won the game at Stanford tonight?" 'Tonight it Sunday," I snarled, "and there ain't no games at Stanford But who it this?" There was too a game at Stanford tonight," the voice insisted and then, as an afterthought, "I mean last night" "No," sezzi, "you mean Friday night, Stanford lost a basketball game to California that night But whoinel! is this?" "I don't mean Friday's game," the voice retorted, "but Saturday's game at Stanford." "Oh that," tezzl, "Stanford played dinky practice game against the Ca! Aggies Saturday night Nobody but a dope would want to know the result of that game, especially 2 o'clock In the morning." "But I do," the voice screamed. "Well, I don't" sezzi, "and I don't give a damn. But there is something I wanna know, Whcinell has the gall to call me up at this unholy hour to find out who won a Cal Aggie basketball game?" "This," replied the voice, acsuming a pompous air, "la Don Budge but NOT the tennis player," Nothing could have made me feel worse. is, nothing unless It had been Don Budge, THE tennis player.

Beiore yesterday's match with Vines in Los Angeles, Don Budge appeared on the court sidelines to visit with Paulettl Goddard (left) and Sidney Chaplin (center), brother of Funnyman Charles. Story of match on second sports pager-AJ, Wirephoto, commercial hill. Major Art McCrys-stal, in charge of the Fair sports, was Cont. Pag IS, Col. I Continued Page Cot.