Chicago coach Amos Alonzo Stagg was a significant figure in U.S. track and field before WWI, organizing top amateur competitions, particularly at the prep level. Several Chicago track athletes competed in the 1908 Olympics in London, leading Stagg to travel to the games. While in England, Stagg learned that English athletes and high society folks took oxygen treatments before competitions or whenever they needed a boost.

Upon returning, Stagg worked with the team physician to test the effectiveness of oxygen use among football players. He told his former player and Iowa coach Mark Catlin of the results since Iowa also had oxygen on their sideline during the 1908 season.

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