A Continuing Novel by Dr. Greg Shepard
A Continuing Novel by Greg Shepard Chapter 35 “I’m sorry sir, but Lem’s reputation and honor are at Quest For Greatness is based on true stories. Coach Travis Drake is the new football Coach at Hamilton High School. With energy, enthusiasm, charisma and hard work, positive changes have been taking place. stake here. Please allow me to continue.”
“OK, but this better be good.” Travis drew a deep breath and began, “I’ve gotten to know Lem and his family quite well the last eight months. They are hard-working fine people. Lem would not get involved in drugs, and the honor of Lem’s parents The other major character Rick Steadman, is very important to him. Tongans, in fact all Polynesians, are very respectful to their elders. Tongans also have a devastated by tragedy. His father and two sisters died in a fire that destroyed their home. Only his little brother Billy survived. settling matters quickly. In our country, we sue somebody. Maybe Lem shouldn't have hit Bart.”
Travis looked at Bart, “and maybe you shouldn't be helped Rick overcome his problems and this tragedy. Billy and Rick are now part of Coach Drake’s family. The Town, School, and team are going crazy over the unbelievable turn around. selling drugs, and maybe you should keep your mouth shut.”
Mrs. Snyder was infuriated and yelled, “Your coach is lying. He’s just trying to save his precious football player.” “Glory be, Kate, let’s not let this thing get out of hand. I know you can be reasonable. Remember when custom of taking care of confrontations physically and previously. However, Principal Donaldson has you used to sit in my ofÏce?” interrupted Mr. Maddox. “We finally got you graduated.”
Mrs. Snyder managed a weak smile and cooled down noticeably. Fred continued, “Now Kate, doggone it, I’ve asked you several times to come in and talk about Bart. got Coach Drake and others in his ofÏce trying I’ve sent you three letters already this year. Bart isn’t to sort out a fight and a drug deal. going to graduate.” “Mr. Maddox, I’m sorry, but you don’t know the hours I put in. It’s not easy bein’ alone,” said a more subdued Mrs. Snyder. Mr. Maddox smiled kindly, “I know it’s tough, but we just have to try and help Bart. As for Lem, he has a B average and has attended every class.”
“What's that got to do with him punchin’ me in the nose?” piped Bart. Mr. Maddox’s eyes squinted a bit as he asked Bart pointedly, “You been dealin’ in drugs, Bart?” “You kiddin’ me, man. Get serious. You got nothin’ on me, man,” Bart said steaming as he got up. “Anyway, my nose ain't that bad, so it’s ‘adios’.” He stormed for the door and whirled around quickly and glared witha menacing grin. “Oh, Eddie boy, see ya around,” Bart snarled as he pointed his finger and hand like a gun at Eddie and said, “Bang.” “W-wait,” Donaldson stammered, but it was too late.
Bart was gone. “Do something,” Donaldson yelled at ofÏcer Wheeler. “We'll keep an eye on him,” said the ofÏcer. “Oh, and Lem.” “Yes, sir,” replied Lem weakly.
“Knock ‘em dead Saturday!” OfÏcer Wheeler said, Rick Steadman averaged 136 Rushing : yyards per §game during the regular season. smiling. “Good day, gentlemen.”
Mrs. Snyder numbly got up and was assisted by Mr. ae ST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 38 Hamilton High Student Body Getting Ready To Go To The Dome.
Maddox. “I'll look after Bart the best I can. He just needs time to sort things our, Kate.” coaches’ meeting, Travis returned home at 10:00 p.m. Diana heated up dinner and asked, “How was your “Thanks, Fred. I want you to know I've tried really hard,” replied Mrs. Snyder dejectedly. day?” Travis still had a sense of humor. “A day like all days:
“Can I go now?” said Eddie carefully. filled with those events that alter and illuminate our Everything was happening so fast. Donaldson was time.” trying to regain control.
Thursday was a busy day. A big pep assembly was “Wait a minute, Coach Drake. What were these kids here for, anyway?” Coach Drake stood and afÏrmed, scheduled to send the team on its 200-mile journey to the Dome. The coaching staff wanted a day to travel and a day to practice on the Astro-Turf, therefore they left two the truth. As it turned out, they weren’t needed. But what days before the championship game. Coach Drake was Id like to do now is get back to class and use any extra amused at at the directive he found in his mailbox. time to continue preparing.” reminded him to have a bed check at the motel and gave Somewhat perplexed, Donaldson muttered, “OK, OK, I think that’s a good idea.”
Everyone left, leaving Donaldson at his desk to ponder the last hour’s events. That Wednesday night after practice and a long a recommendation for a 10:00 curfew. Rick was asked to speak at the assembly. “The team would like to thank the student body, the cheerleaders, the teachers, the board and the administration for all your QUE ST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 39 Coach Drake Checking With OfÏcials Before Game support this season. Hamilton’s the best school in the out on his bed. Rick did the same and they both munched world. Thanks!” on some goodies.
Rick got a big ovation. TJ was next. “I feel the same as T] asked, “What are you gonna do after high school?”
Rick, and this game is a dream come true. We owe our Rick chuckled, “I’m getting asked that a lot lately. coaches everything, and we’re going to try our best to Becky and I have talked about going to college together. make you all proud of us Saturday. I know we can get ‘em I'd love to play college ball. Coach Drake thinks I can play this time.” and can maybe even get a scholarship.”
TJ got an even bigger ovation. “We want Buddy,” people yelled. “Do ‘Hidee’ for us, Buddy. ” Buddy had already rehearsed with the band. Of course, Buddy really hammed it up. He took the microphone as the band started.
“Does he think I’ve got a chance? Do the two of you ever talk about me?” inquired TJ. “We don’t talk football hardly at all, and we never talk about the guys. It’s probably better that way.” TJ] confessed, “My dad wants me to get a scholarship Buddy drawled slowly, “Hidee, Hidee, Hidee-Ho.” and be a football star. | know he doesn’t like our offense.
The whole audience sang the same words back loudly.
He wants me to throw for 300 yards a game. But one thing I do know, he’s super happy about our season.”
“Hidee, Hidee, Hidee-Hi.”
Everyone followed again. “Hidee, Hidee, Hidee-Ho.” He then repeated it twice as fast. After that chorus, Buddy went super-fast and shook his head into a frenzy, making very funny faces. The kids were howling.
Gently Rick responded, “I think my dad’s very happy about the season, too.” “Damn,” TJ groaned, “Rick, I’m sorry, man.”
“Domeity, Domeity, Dome-Dome-Dome. Domeity, Domeity, Dome-Dome.” Then slowly again, the “Hidee, Hidee, Hidee-Ho.” verse. The band forged into a rousing climax, followed by the team standing up and yelling, “Dome!, Dome!, Dome!” Everyone jumped up and also began yelling, “Dome!, Dome!, Dome!” Amidst the chant, the team filed out of the auditorium and boarded the bus. That night, after the team meal, Rick and T] were assigned as roommates. TJ turned on the TV and stretched
From BFS Magazine — Winter 1991. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
