He paused and looked over the half circle of puzzled faces before he continued. “Beginning to-day, fellows, no one is going to hold a position on this team because he filled it last season, or because he thinks himself entitled to it through previous service, or because he shows promise. Nor for any other reason save just one, which is that he proves conclusively to my satisfaction that he is the best man for the job. This goes from top to bottom, from Captain Lowe to the greenest man on the squad. Captain Lowe may be the best man for the right guard position; probably he is; but he’s got to show us, you and me both. So on right through the line-up. You may be all you think you are, all you ought to be, all I’ve been accepting you as, but, by golly, you’ve got to prove it. No position is sacred any longer, fellows. If Smith wants Jones’ job all he’s got to do is go and get it. It’s his if he can play a better brand of football than Jones. Theoretically this has always been the rule here, this year as well as other years, just as it is the general rule at other schools and colleges. Actually, however, it hasn’t been working very thoroughly, and that’s my fault. Some of you have--well, hypnotized is the best word I can think of--have hypnotized me into accepting you at your own valuation, into thinking as you do that you own your positions. Well, yesterday I woke up. I saw that I’d been taking far too much for granted. Here’s where I stop being an easy mark, fellows. And here’s where all mortgages are canceled. How’s that hit you?” Some of the countenances before him looked rather dazed, others showed grins, but no one replied for an instant. Then Captain Lowe said calmly: “Suits me, Coach!” And other murmured agreements followed.