The team choked under the pressure. The presumption on the part of the coach that he or she can create an optimum or, at least, desired sense of urgency about the upcoming game might seem silly. But it is often true. The context for our games allows us that luxury. Here in Division III, where sports are supposed to be games, not minor leagues or even part-time jobs, there is the option to create a level of seriousness on a team that will get the best results.
Coaches here have to decide how far to push the seriousness level.
It's not an easy decision. Here are three little items that might serve as clues to the answer. Joel Paschka was a fine offensive lineman this past season for the Cobber football team. That football team won an MIAC title with a thrilling win over a good St. John's team in the season finale. But Joel Paschka might have a hard time understanding that view of that game.