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Of Sound Mind and Body: Early Athletic Activities at Vanderbilt University

Athletics and sporting events are now synonymous with college and university life, but this was not the case when Vanderbilt University opened its doors in 1875. Athletics were initially viewed by faculty and administration to be a diversion from obtaining an education. However, by the 1880s Chancellor Landon C. Garland could no longer hold back the strong wave of enthusiasm for group sporting events on campus as more students participated in athletic competitions. Baseball was especially popular among the students and gained a large following on campus as they racked up wins against their opponents. Soon football games, gymnastics, bicycling, and track and field events were attracting crowds of fans from across the campus.