19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

It might also come as a shock to Mr. Schuhmann that some families have to live on less than the cash equivalent of a college athlete's yearly education expenses, which are paid for him by the school.

Nobody doubts that the dollar does not go as far as it once did, but in forming the relief line, let college athletes stand near the end.
JOHN F. SHIREY
Monterey Park, Calif.

STILL TIED
Sir:
In reference to professional football's new fifth-quarter rule, what use is the extra quarter if the game can still end in a tie? The sudden-death period should extend until one team breaks the tie. I, for one, would like to see the tie eliminated, not only in professional ball but in college and high school games as well.
LOWELL BERGERON
Westlake, La.

SAFETY MEASURES
Sir:
I have just finished Dan Levin's article on Gerry Walin's most unfortunate accident while attempting to break the world speed record for outboard-powered craft (Grim Climax to a Thunderous Run, Sept. 23). Having long followed all aspects of motor racing, I am always saddened by the death or serious injury of a driver. I've seen many powerboat wrecks, and the pattern is always the same. A flip, the driver ejects and is hurt. Why don't they wake up and realize that a parachute pack and a prayer won't save anybody's neck? Perhaps a self-contained ejectible pod with a life-support system, some flotation devices and a parachute would. Sure, this might prove to be heavy, sophisticated and costly, but how much is a good pilot's life worth?
DANIEL LUIS VIGNOLI
Los Angeles

INDIAN RODEO
Sir:
Thank you for the article Today Is Joy to Their World (Sept. 23). It is refreshing to know that the Indian nations are holding on to their culture. Unfortunately, publicity may prove harmful to the rodeo by starting an influx of tourists. It should remain an Indian celebration. As William Eastlake says, it is "not a sport that destroys, but a ceremony that creates, in the style of the Indian." Something the white man hasn't yet learned.
WARREN SWANSON
Moscow, Idaho

Sir:
Today will be "joy to our world" if writers like William Eastlake keep on producing features on Indian sports activities. His article brought smiles and giggles as he presented some of the Indian humor. Watch out, they'll have him dancing next year or mugging in the wild-horse race. Really enjoyable reading.

Incidentally, Dugan LeBeaux also placed in the final money in bull riding this year at the Pendleton Roundup.
LEAH J. CONNER
Warm Springs, Ore.

EXTOLLING NOLAN
Sir:
Finally, Nolan Ryan has gotten some recognition (Speed Trap for an Angel, Sept. 16). With this season nearly over, Ryan has 22 victories, 367 strikeouts and a 100-mph fastball, not to mention his two no-hitters, 383 strikeouts, 21 victories and 2.87 ERA of last year. If Ryan were with Cincinnati, Los Angeles or Oakland, he'd no doubt have 25 or 30 wins right now.
TANNER PARSONS
Athens, Greece

Sir:
In mentioning the best fastball pitchers of all time you failed to include Don Newcombe. Nolan Ryan is fast, but they claim Newcombe was as fast as a speeding bullet.
GIL BAILEY
Cincinnati

ONE FOR BOBBY
Sir:
The article Lesson for the Home Pro in your Sept. 16 issue was one of the finest I have read during my 15 years as a subscriber. Sarah Pileggi obviously did her homework, as she accurately portrays Bobby Nichols.