[Dan-o]

I was the primary driver for MOE 365 in 2003 and I can say there's definitely a ton of stress at competitions. It's not necessarily generated by the team, but rather by the expectations you put on yourself. After making it through 2 ridiculous comebacks at Annapolis (1 by winning 68-67) I was so nervous that I felt sick. I have done some pretty nerve racking things in my life, but this seems to take the cake.

This year, I have been lucky enough to get the opportunity to be field coach for team 1493. Having been a driver, I feel that I have a better opportunity to make it easier for the drivers. My plan is to oversee the match, and tell the drivers in a calm, but quick voice what they should do next. At that time, I will sit back and wait until I need to give them another instruction. I'm hoping this takes a little of the nerves out of the picture so the drivers can perform to the best of their abilities.