The Rise of Athletic Masculinity at the Carlisle Indian School, 1904–1913

Abstract

Following the dismissal of Captain Richard Pratt from the position of superintendent in 1904, the Carlisle Indian School entered a new era. The school became more focused on vocational education and moved away from offering immediate civilisation to the students. The school even promoted Indian arts and crafts. This move was also reflected in sport at Carlisle. The school became determined to construct a successful athletic programme. This resulted in the rise of masculine gamesmanship among the athletes. This, combined with racial pride, formed the basis of the athletes' manhood in the post-Pratt era. Yet, despite the demonstration of superior masculinity through victories, the school still positioned the students as subordinate to white men. The players were portrayed as comparatively unintelligent; they were apparently incapable of actually coaching the team.