In the old days.
Since athletics claim so large a share of attention in the education of the school-boy and of the college man of today, the following may have some interest for our readers. It is from a notice on the death of Dr. Weld of Portland, Me., which occurred November 24, 1857, published in the Portland Advertiser. Samuel Weld taught our Medford school February, 1806, to August, 1807.. . . Dr. Weld studied medicine with Dr. (Gov.) John Brooks. (See Register, Vol. XIV, p. 97, for account of another Medford school-master.)It was one of the College customs of that day for the Freshmen, on the entry of every class, to be initiated into their new life by a wrestling match. The Sophomores challenged the new-comers to a trial of strength in this ancient and classical exercise.
The Senior class was the umpire, and the victors were treated to a supper on their invitation. In the contest of 1796, after a hard and manly struggle, the Freshmen came off victorious, leaving three of their champions ready to continue the contest; of these, Weld was one. The Monday after, the Juniors, not easy under this defeat, challenged the Freshmen to a new contest with them. This was accepted, and Weld was the first to enter the list; he threw successively six of the Juniors, the first of whom was the late Judge Fay of Cambridge. Reeking with perspiration, and nearly exhausted, he was required to renew the struggle with a fresh competitor; in this he was unfortunately overcome
