After 22 years at Bethel, Steve Johnson can't imagine himself anywhere else. That wasn't the case in 1989, when he reluctantly took over a football program that had become an afterthought at the school in Arden Hills. ¶ Johnson was looking for a place where he could successfully blend football and family. He inherited a team that had only 38 players, little support from the university and only 13 league victories in 11 seasons as a member of the MIAC. "I was kind of dragged here kicking and screaming," said Johnson, who played at Bethel in the 1970s. "I didn't seriously think it would be this good, ever." It didn't take long for Johnson to realize he had found a perfect match. Saturday, the Royals will play Mount Union in the NCAA Division III semifinals for the second time in four seasons. The Royals have compiled a 12-1 record by reflecting the principles that built their program: embracing the challenge of high expectations, and meeting them as a loving band of brothers.

Bethel, ranked 14th, upset No. 4 St. Thomas last week after defeating Wartburg (Iowa) and Wheaton (Ill.) on the road. Second-ranked Mount Union, winner of 10 of the past 17 Division III titles, beat the Royals 62-14 in the 2007 semifinals.

Several Bethel players said that experience -- plus a sharper focus -- gives them a better shot in the rematch in Alliance, Ohio. So does the philosophy of their coach, which is meant to prepare them for much more than these autumn Saturdays.

"My heart is in building a team, a bunch of guys who love each other with a kiss and a kick," said Johnson, a Chicago native and son of a Baptist minister. "Guys who can give you a high-five, then give you a kick in the shorts when you need it. We want our kids to grow through their college experience, and accountability and love are the formula for growth.

"Life is hard. And the best thing about football is that it's hard. We tell our kids to lean into that hardship and adversity, and that it has to be an everyday thing if they want to fulfill their expectations. My heart is full, because we have kids willing to do that."

A defensive end at Bethel, Johnson, 54, once harbored dreams of coaching at the highest levels. He was an assistant coach at St. Cloud State and Montana State and coached the Gophers' running backs as a graduate assistant to coach John Gutekunst in 1986.

When he realized he didn't want to sacrifice his family life, he wound up at Bethel. Johnson's belief in the school's culture, and his desire to share it with others, drew him there. Despite its poor record, he thought he could plant the seeds of success by recruiting young men who could thrive in the atmosphere of a Christian university, as individuals as well as members of a tightly-bound team.

In his first season, he chose the best 38 players and put them on defense. He complemented that with a run-based offense, a change from the Royals' previous style. Johnson thought that by sticking to basics, his undermanned team would have a chance.

Bethel finished 3-6-1, which was considered such a stunning turnaround that Johnson earned the first of his five MIAC coach of the year awards. It also established a football identity that has remained constant. During Johnson's tenure, the Royals have gone 156-73-1 on the strength of a stout defense and a tenacious rushing game that has featured the two most productive running backs in MIAC history. Senior Logan Flannery reached 5,253 career yards last week and became the league's all-time leading rusher, surpassing former Bethel star Phil Porta.

The Royals have won four MIAC titles under Johnson and reached the NCAA playoffs six times in the past 11 years. The players, though, are more likely to cite relationships and personal growth as their greatest achievements.

"This is my fifth season, and I only came back because of the community coach Johnson creates here," said senior defensive end Andrew Johnson. "We're brothers who laugh and fight and cry, and that's what is building us as people. Coach Johnson has so much passion for the team, the coaches and everyone involved, which is a powerful thing. He is teaching us all to be better men."

For his part, the coach is proud of the poise his team has shown. He was moved to tears by the Royals' effort in their only loss, a 10-6 defeat at St. Thomas. Though they beat Concordia the following week, they didn't play well; upset by the lapse, they vowed it would not happen again, and they have been razor-sharp since.

In 2007, Bethel treated the Division III semifinal trip as a vacation. The result reflected that, and the team is approaching this one more businesslike.

It might seem like a daunting challenge, but Johnson has taught his players to relish such opportunities -- just as he did when he arrived all those years ago.

"I was kicking and screaming a little, but I feel like I was called to come here," he said. "I love it here."