The football team is to be congratulated upon the appointment of Mr. Deland to have charge of the coaching for the rest of the season. In his experience with the team in the past he has shown an interest and a capability which will inspire confidence in him on the part both of the players and of the University at large.

All has not been done, however, when the coaching has been left in good hands. Much depends on the spirit with which the candidates for the team and, back of them, the University, look upon the work of the coming weeks. If after the defeat of last Saturday any considerable number of men can allow themselves to look forward in a half-hearted way to the remaining games, it means that we have not yet begun to learn the first lesson of defeat. There is strong reason for belief that this lesson has been learned. It was taught if never before by the stubborn fight at Springfield a year ago after all reasonable probability of victory was gone.

And here lies the whole point: It is no one's place, in the University at least, to measure reasonable probabilities before a game. It is a waste of time at best and kills the true spirit whether it forecasts victory or defeat.