October 5, 2007

Stereotype, Then and Now

By MICHAEL NELSON

Old-style college football bore strong resemblances to contemporary lacrosse. Both games were initially successful on elite Northeastern campuses, then spread south and west. Both were (and still are) bruising "helmet sports." In the era before spring football practice, lacrosse teams were largely manned by football players trying to stay in shape. The storied athlete Jim Thorpe got started in sports by playing football and lacrosse for the Carlisle Indian School.

As recounted in two

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