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Show The Flag Rush{Written in 1940) 1910 vs. 1911.HEN I entered the University of Utah in the fall of 1907 I was what the ordinary Freshman is supposed to be-slightly tinged with green- but hopeful, nevertheless. I also had the idea that what little I could do to help my University would never be missed, but this idea was soon changed. It was the flag rush that did it. When the Sophomores posted the notices for the rush, I felt chilled. I was frightened from the very beginning, and as the appointed time approached, I became panic-stricken. It was not that noble kind of fear that filled my heart, either-the kind of fear you can take pride in after it is gone--but just a plain, ordinary, cowardly fear, a fear that I would suffer some bodily injury if I went into the rush.Anyway, I decided not to go in. I scarcely remember whether it was because I was afraid that my nose would be broken or my face would be scratched (I was rather proud of my straight nose and smooth skin in those days), but I do remember that I followed with the crowd of student spectators to the bleachers. The presence of the crowd reassured me, and I began to feel more easy when I realized that I did not have to go into the rush.When the fellows paraded on to the campus, dressed for the fight, I felt a little envious-they were so friendly and companionable that I felt rather out of it. I suddenly realized that my place was with them, and this new feeling almost overcame my cowardice. Then the whistle blew and the rush began. All I could see was a mixture of dust and legs and arms. I could not see how it was coming out, and that made it all the more maddening. If I were only down there I'd show the Sophomores! They could break my nose, scratch my face, or pull my hair -I wouldn't care, because I'd do the same to them. But I was standing on the bleachers beside a pale, slender girl, whom I had chosen to be(162) |