Fighting Fit

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The physical training program--based on Army guidelines--kept the cadets in fighting form. While the Army had sent the cadets to OSTC to obtain the basic knowledge they would need to fly airplanes, the college still had to make sure the boys were in shape for military service.

 

UWO Series 19. UW Oshkosh Archives and Area Research Center.

The cadets also played sports during their time in Oshkosh.  Cadets could play informal pick-up games during their recreation hour held at the end of afternoon classes.  Cadets played a wide variety of sports, including volleyball, touch football, horseshoes, and tennis.

The Oshkosh Recreation Department assisted the college and detachment in securing athletic fields, developing schedules, and finding referees.  A 10-team softball league was established in summer, two 8-team volleyball leagues were formed in fall, and winter brought on three 8-team basketball leagues.

Although the detachment lacked regular access to a swimming pool, Captain Carson Conrad, Deputy Director of Physical Training of the Western Flying Command, had "high regard for the manner in which it [the physical training program] was administered" and the OSTC program was rated as "superior."

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The cadets could also play intramural sports to stay in shape. Cadets took advantage of a free hour after their last class to get in a pick-up game of football or volleyball on campus grounds.

 P2005.24.145. Courtesy of Oshkosh Public Museum.

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Due to the lack of men at OSTC, many of the sports teams were cut during the war.  During the 96th's tenure, however, Oshkosh sports fans could head to the college gym and watch the cadets shoot hoops in organized intermural play.  With as many as three games per week, there were many opportunities to cheer on the cadets.

 
UWO Series 19. UW Oshkosh Archives and Area Research Center.