Fifty-one years ago this week, the College's Committee on Intercol-legiate Athletics unanimously voted to eliminate spring football practice, as well as out-of-season practice for all other varsity athletic teams.

In the decision, President Woosley Cole highlighted that all of the football team's intercollegiate opponents, with the exception of Colby College, had also indicated that they would follow similar de-emphasis plans, The Student reported. At the time, the football team was not involved in an organized league.

Of over 400 students of the College polled by The Student during the controversy, 52 percent supported the ban of out-of-season practice. The poll also disclosed that 17 percent would be in favor of the College beginning to de-emphasize the institution of athletics in general. Students also remarked that they "favor athletic scholarships only if grades are sufficient," The Student reported.