Discussant:Marathon Papers
Abstract
DiscussantMarathon Papers SAGE Publications, Inc.1970DOI: 10.1177/104649647000100410 Sherman R. Day Georgia State University It is fitting, indeed, that this journal issue devoted to the marathon be dedicated to the memory of Frederick H. Stoller. As one scans the articles in this issue, his contribution to this process is everywhere apparent. Bach's letter written after Stoller's death is touching and informative as to the relationship between the two most prominent pioneers of marathon group work. It is interesting to note differences in the manner in which the marathon experience is conceptualized by Stoller and Bach and that of other writers in the field. Conceptual differences noted among writers in this issue seem representative of differences that exist in the field as a whole. Comparisons of contributions within this issue were rendered more difficult by the ambiguity in definitions of the marathon experience; indeed, this writer was often left with the feeling that he was comparing apples and oranges. Ambiguity became most evident in relation to four issues: goals, leadership, time modules, and techniques or games. GOALS '° Stoller contends that the proper goal of the marathon is "growth"- movement into new areas of experience and the development of facets of