A Vision of Expansion
In the wake of its remarkable participation in the 1904 Fair Olympic competition, the Missouri Athletic Club's compass was set on an ambitious course toward a greatly expanded athletic program. With plans to enter local and regional A.A.U. competitions, limited national engagements, and even representation at the bi-annual Olympics, the MAC's athletic endeavors were on an upward trajectory for nearly a decade. Additionally, the Club's own athletic events began attracting talented athletes from all corners of the country.
One such event that gained immense stature was the Cross Country Marathon from Freeburg, Illinois, to the Club, first held in 1905. The victorious Joe Forshaw quickly rose to fame, paving the way for future Marathon champions like the MAC's very own Joe Erxleben and Irvin Biel.
A Swimmer's Triumph
Just one year after the Marathon's inception, the Missouri Athletic Club took up sponsorship of the ten-mile Mississippi River Swim. A.M. Goessling emerged as the first winner of this grueling race, showcasing the strength of MAC's swimming team.
However, in subsequent years, the prestigious trophy found its way to H. Jamison Handy of Chicago, a prominent swimmer in the nation. It wasn't until 1912 that the MAC regained the trophy with Chauncey P. Heath's astounding victory, leaving Eastern rivals stunned by his powerful crawl stroke.
Boxing, Wrestling, and Water Polo Rise
The early years also saw the emergence of boxing and wrestling as celebrated sports at the Missouri Athletic Club. Thanks to the monthly amateur boxing matches coached by Tommy Sullivan, MAC fighters experienced one of their greatest victories by sweeping every bout in a tournament against the Cincinnati Gym Athletic Club in 1909.
Water polo, once unknown to St. Louisans, quickly gained prominence due to the remarkable skills of swimmers like W.R. Orthwein, the Schwartz brothers, A.M. Goessling, and others. The MAC's water polo team nearly defeated the formidable Chicago Athletic Club team in 1909, with a close score of 3-2. However, the MAC's determination led them to secure victory over the same Chicago team in 1911, becoming national champions.
Basketball and Baseball's Triumphs
From the Club's earliest days, basketball shone as one of its premier sports. The 1904 team boasted an unbeaten 12-0 record in the city league, with the star player Harry J. Keiner leading the way at center. Meanwhile, baseball enjoyed a similar trajectory with a perfect 7-0 record in 1904, driven by the exceptional pitching of W.R. Orthwein and Don Ehlers. The enthusiasm for baseball was further ignited when Louis Cella dominated the use of the diamond at the Delmar Racetrack in 1909.
Flourishing Social Aspects
As the Club entered the 1910s, all sports, including the more leisurely ones like bowling and billiards, reached their peak. Simultaneously, the social aspects of club life blossomed. Ye Clubbe, a lively monthly magazine featuring satirical pen-and-ink drawings by Eddie Eksergian, showcased the vibrant goings-on and caricatured Club events and personalities.
In 1909, a new cultural experience graced the MAC with the formation of a Glee Club that presented its first concert to great acclaim. The addition of Ladies' Day and female vocalists performing during the regular Sunday evening orchestral programs further enriched the Club's social life.
A Tragic Turn of Events
As the Missouri Athletic Club celebrated the arrival of 1914 with a New Year's Eve gala celebration, little did they know that tragedy was about to strike in mere months. On March 8, 1914, a devastating fire broke out, reducing the Club to a smoking shell and leaving many dead. The future of the beloved institution hung in the balance as the question loomed large: "Will there ever be another Missouri Athletic Club?"
Stay tuned for the next installment of this gripping series, where we delve into the Club's heroic resurgence from the ashes, its reconstruction, and the glorious journey that followed in the spirited "tinseled twenties."
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