Athletics records

Prior to the 1860s, physical training and athletics on campus was informal, and organized by students. In 1860 the College Commons on the Bath Road was converted into a gymnasium, and William C. Dole, an ex-prize fighter, began giving private instruction in gymnastics. Mr. Dole was succeeded in 1870 by Dudley Sargent, who promoted physical training on campus, connecting good health and physical activity. In 1886 Nathaniel Whittier was appointed Director of the Gymnasium, and advanced physical education at Bowdoin. Meanwhile, the gymnasium moved from the College Commons to the lower level of Memorial Hall, to the first Sargent Gymnasium (later the Heating Plant), to Sargent Gymnasium and the Hyde Athletic Building; beginning the continuing upgrade and expansion of athletic facilities on campus. Organized sports came to Bowdoin about the same time as collegiate instruction in gymnastics. In order to handle intercollegiate athletics, an Advisory Athletic Committee was formed in 1891, consisting of the Director of the Gymnasium, one faculty member, two alumni, and five students. The composition of the Athletic Council was changed in 1901 to two professors, five alumni, and five students, and a new Athletic Council constitution was ratified. In June 1935, the Governing Boards abolished the Athletic Council and gave full control of athletic policy to the College president. In the late 1990s, the Athletics department began publishing sports information on the Bowdoin College Website. A subdomain was created for athletics web content circa 2000.