this time frowned on athletics programs and because the sport was an "abomination to the spirit." Cluff also helped implement many programs that were ahead of their time such as adding a military department, a summer school, a school song, and psychology classes. He also extended the length of class from thirty minutes to one hour blocks. The school was privately supported by members of the community, and was not absorbed and sponsored officially by the LDS Church until July 18, 1896. Around 1894, Cluff was finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified teachers who were willing to take the salary that the academy was able to offer them. Another recurring problem was the academy's teacher retention because of mission assignments from the church that required the instructors to leave their teaching jobs and dedicate all of their energies to their missionary efforts. That same year, Cluff was able to hire a handful of non-Mormon teachers after much resistance from Maeser and Brigham Young Jr. Although hiring teachers outside of the Mormon community was Cluff's doing, he also saw the importance of training high quality teachers within the Mormon community. In order to accomplish this goal, Cluff started a "Normal Training School" which gave free lessons to students who were interested in teaching. This approach proved to be successful, and the normal school supplied experienced and qualified teachers to the schools in the region. In May 1898, College Hall was built in order to provide more space for the upper division students of the academy's Collegiate Department. Even with the added space, many students at the academy were cramped because of the continuous increase in enrollment. The school continued to have success with the dedication and opening of the annual Brigham Young Academy Summer School. Another successful initiative that Cluff suggested was the implementation of a Missionary Training Program in 1899 for prospective missionaries of the LDS church. Expedition to Central and South America In 1899, Cluff outlined his proposal to take Academy students on an expedition to ancient Book of Mormon ruins and complete other related historical studies in Central and South America. Church leadership approved Cluff's plans, and he began preparing for the trip. He had to select the men who would accompany him, getting needed funding, and better organize the studies that would take place during the expedition. The men who were part of the expedition were