Seward Staley

Each individual who sets foot on a battlefield undergoes extensive training to become a reliable asset for their country. Thanks to the research and efforts of Seward C. Staley, former graduate and Dean of the College of Applied Life Studies at the University of Illinois this process was able to effectively and efficiently create soldiers who were ready to begin their careers in peak physical condition.

Seward Staley dedicated his entire career to extensive research of physical education. In October 1941, as the Second World War was fought in Europe and the U.S. had yet to join, Seward Staley published his paper “Sport and Military Preparedness” voicing his concerns about the physical capabilities of young Americans, and his proposed solution to this issue. Three months later, Pearl Harbor was bombed, and the U.S. would fight in the Second World War for the next four years.

The Issue

Staley’s main concern was the physical preparedness of the young men who were soon to join the United States Forces. According to his research, many young men struggled with strength and endurance capabilities– twenty percent of his observed sample couldn’t even swim! Overall, what troubled Staley the most was the fact that these men paid no attention to their physical shortcomings. Staley’s proposed solution encouraged young men to focus on their physical fitness, in a creative fashion.

The Solution

Staley stated that participation in sports would be the most effective solution to prepare men who would eventually need to fight for their country. Staley favored the more rugged sports, such as wrestling or boxing, which he believed Americans shied away from. Staley observed how European countries had more of an emphasis on sports and physical education in schools, and how Americans were all too quick to take the path of least resistance. He therefore promoted more engagement in sports for American youth. 

Staley’ Other Achievements

Throughout his career, Staley published numerous other articles and books on physical education. Staley served as the Athletic director of the U.S. Army in 1917-18 and was director of the U.S. Delegation to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Staley’s influence knows no limits: beyond being President  of The Illinois State Physical Education Association, American Academy of Physical Education, and College of Physical Education Association, he was essential in the formation of the North American Society for Sport History and championing systematic study of sports.