A Continuing Novel by Dr. Greg Shepard
A Continuing Story by Greg Shepard “You got that right, man. I just screwed up. He scared the shit out of me,” responded Wes. “Don’t sweat it. Let’s just keep our shutout.”
On third and five, Rick again got the call and Quest For Greatness is based on true stories. Coach promptly raced for another twelve yards. However, Travis Drake is the new football Coach at Hamilton another holding penalty called the gain back. But no one High School. With energy, enthusiasm, charisma and said a word to the refs. Travis quickly conferred with hard work, positive changes have been taking place.
Coach Miller on how to correct the problem, and another The other major character Rick Steadman, who is a play was sent in. senior at Hamilton, has been devastated by tragedy.
The halftime score was 14-0, and the final was 27-0, His father and two sisters died in a fire that destroyed Rick had rushed for 168 yards on 23 carries and had their home. Only his little brother Billy survived. scored three touchdowns. The other score came midway.
Coach Drake with a lot of caring has helped Rick through the fourth quarter on a Mark Russo pass. Travis overcome his problems and this tragedy. Billy and had wanted to give Mark some experience with the first Rick are now part of Coach Drake’s family. Coach team, and he responded well. He completed only three Drake and his staff have worked hard in the off-season passes, but one was a 35 yard scoring play on which Kirby and summer helping each player realize his potential caught a 20-yard post-pattern pass and scrambled for the physically, mentally and spiritually. remaining yardage.
The results have been dramatic. Hamilton is now Alittle better. enjoying a 7-0 lead against Stevens High in their first Rick showered and met Becky. They had the last hour of the dance as their date. “It’s surprising, but it seems our kids always have a lot of energy for dancing no matter how tired they look in class,” thought Miss Johnson as she chaperoned the dance.
Becky and Rick tried to talk quietly, but it was Mr. Maddox punched Bernie in the shoulder, “Glory pleasantly difÏcult. Everyone wanted to congratulate be, old buddy, we got ourselves a football team.” Dr.
Rick. Becky didn’t seem to mind. Everything seemed Kowalski beamed with pride as Jim Donaldson remarked, about perfect. They had won the game. Rick had played “That was really a nice drive.” exceptionally well, and they were slow dancing. As Rick Hamilton again stopped Stevens dead on the next and Becky swayed to the music, he was finally feeling series. TJ again took command. Rick bolted on the first secure once again. “I even have wheels now,” he thought, play for 65 yards and raced into the end zone. Travis’ heart “Thanks to Coach Drake's letting me borrow his.” clip.
Diana Drake and Barbara Myers had prepared food The long run and score were nullified. Rick said, “Forget for the special after-game party. They had invited it,” as they huddled up. everyone they could think of, including the administration passed to Kirby Lewis for a twenty-yard pick up and a and booster club people. Fortunately Hamilton won, so it first down. Travis sent in another passing play, hoping, to was sure to be a celebration. catch Stevens off-guard. The pass fell incomplete, but People were already mingling and having a good time another 15-yard penalty for holding made it first and by the time the coaches arrived. Many congratulatory twenty-five.
Wes yelled, “You're a real jerk ref.” Travis remarks were offered and acknowledged. The first thing came unglued and raced over to Wes and grabbed him by Travis did was to find Diana. “Honey, I’ve got something| the face mask. “Don’t you ever do that again. We've gone want to show you,” he said with a mischievous grin, over this many times. No one, but no one, ever says Diana could read him like a book, but she played along. anything derogatory to a ref.” Wes knew better. It was an “Okay, what is it, Coach?” Diana said. Travis took her ina old habit. Travis’ reaction kind of shocked the team, and it full embrace and kissed her and said, “Thanks for putting especially shocked Wes.
They hadn’t seen Coach Drake up with me.” Everyone applauded. like that before. “It’s Okay Wes,” said Travis as he cooled down. “Just remember, it’s important.” Travis quickly called another play, and Rick ripped off another fifteen on a draw. Tim came over to Wes, “I guess he really means what The Next Four The next morning, the team and coaches were at work he says, doesn’t he?” Continued on Page 51 26 QUEST FOR GREATNESScontinued from page 26 again. Coach Drake's in-season program consisted of two offers. College coaches look for winners. I want T] to be workouts per week.
He wanted to see the team Saturday the best QB in the state and to be a dynamic force in our tocheck out any muscle pulls or other injury problems. At system. TJ is going to lead us to a championship. You the same time, the team could stretch, lift, and do some must be really proud of him.” light running. The other lifting day was Monday, which was also a light-practice day. The team came in at ten on Saturday morning, but the coaching staff had come in at Mr. Carter couldn’t say no and said, “Yes, ] am proud of him.” “Well, | hope you can tell him that. I sure appreciate ight.
4 Lou Tanselli had the scouting report on the next game, you coming by and all the support you give us.” which was against Jefferson. After one hour, a basic game the door and took TJ home to watch some college games. plan was established. The second hour was spent John Myers came in and asked, “How’d it go?” analyzing the previous game on video. After their meeting, the coaches helped the players with their inseason workout.
“Thank you Coach,” replied Mr. Carter. He was out “I’m not sure,” sighed Travis. “I'll tell you one thing. We better keep on winning.”
The next four weeks were fantastic for the Hamilton At eleven o'clock, everyone met in the cafeteria. The Lions. Bob Brentwood was now using superlatives that main purpose was to see the game video. Travis began by made even Travis blush. Brentwood was touting this saying, “Men you played a great game. However, we can’t Hamilton Lion team as the best in history. Travis shook sneak up on anybody else. We will have to be extremely his head, “We've only played five games! I wish he would well prepared. That’s why we are spending the time today cut us some slack. I don’t want the kids to get the big watching the video. We don’t want the morning to be all head.” drudgery.
Besides, the only way we could get Buddy here Hamilton beat a good Jefferson team 14-6 and then ‘was to promise milk and cookies to munch on while you watch yourselves crunch Stevens.”
Bennington was the next victim at 30-6, ant Tyler County Everyone cheered.
The team had watched the game film, and they had shutout.
High School, previous undefeated, fell to the Lions 13-0. Brentwood had a analyzed their strengths and breakdowns. Before they left, no losses, three shutouts. Points scored were 131; and Sam Carter, on behalf of the booster’s, offered the team points given up were just 12. Rick Steadman had games of congratulations. However, he also came to talk to Travis in 168 yards on 23 carries and 3TD’s, 112 yards on 25 carries private. “Coach Drake, don’t get me wrong,” Mr. Carter and one TD, 190 yards on 19 carries and 3 TD’s, 132 yards said, “We are very pleased with the win and with the on 18 carries and one TD. Rick’s combined stats were 696 enthusiasm you’ve generated.”
yards, 6.8 yards per carry, and 10 touchdowns.
“Well thanks, Mr. Carter,” responded Travis, knowing that more was to come. “All in all, [liked your play selection,” pressed Carter, “but I think you could have called more passes. You put that Russo kid in, and he threw a TD pass. How do you think that makes T] feel?” Travis had always wondered why fathers butted in like this. Did they butt in because they loved their sons so TJ had passed 30 times for 16 completions, 315 yards, 3 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Mark Russo had two touchdown passes and was becoming a good backup QB. The defense had six interceptions, five fumble recoveries, seven sacks, and one safety. The kicking game was solid.
Emile had kicked 15 out of 16 extra point attempts, and three field goals form 27, 32 and 24 yards.
‘much that they just couldn’t bear to see anything get in the The television stations, which were forty miles away, way of their success, or did they butt in because they were were even giving Hamilton some recognition. Bob living vicariously through their sons and refusing to let Brentwood printed articles everyday and kept heaping them be themselves. Even though Mr. Carter was totally praises on their new winning tradition. Brentwood also ‘out of line, Travis smiled as he asked. “Has TJ expressed praised the players for acting like gentlemen on and off being angry or upset?” the field and for their academic successes.
“Well no, not exactly.”
“Wasn't TJ really happy with the win?” Travis further Travis figured Brentwood just had to be shown. However, now Travis and Coach questioned. the bubble. It was bigger than ever. Would it pop? How “Well yes, but,” Mr. Carter stopped talking as Travis ‘stood up and put his arm on Mr. Carter’s shoulder. react? How would they react?
“Mr. Carter, I know you love your son. I love him too. ’s a fine young man. I know you'd like him to get a ‘olarship and to pass for thousands of yards. TJ had a game, and he’s going to get better. As for Russo, you _know I've got to develop more than one QB. What if TJ a to get hurt? Our No. 1 team goal is to win the league and We’re Gonna Do It! The Hamilton Lion locker room was buzzing. The state rankings had just been broadcast over the radio. Hamilton’s glossy 5-0 record was good enough to rank get to the playoffs. This is what generates scholarship QUEST FOR GREATNESS continued from page 51 them sixth in the state.
It was Hamilton's highest ranking meeting, they made their way toward the practice field. since 1967 when they were ranked fifth. The locker room Billy always tagged along with the coaches, making sure was indeed a happy scene. he was around if he was needed. Also, maybe he could “That's a decent ranking,” chimed in Dave. throw the football a little. Mostly, he kept close to Travis.
“We've only got one really tough game left against Billy and Travis had developed a father-son relationship.
Templeton in two weeks,” Buddy interrupted, “Yeah, I can taste it. We can make the playoffs - no sweat.”
“What's a gimp?” asked Billy innocently. Travis stopped dead in his tracks and knelt down to face Billy.
“Hey Gimp,” ordered Rob, “get us some more towels.”
“What made you ask that, Billy?” Billy instinctively knew something was wrong and Tim looked at Rob sharply, “Don’t call him that.” Why not? We all got nicknames. He doesn’t mind. Do you Gimp?” began to stammer. “I just heard somebody use the word.”
“And,” Travis said in a demanding tone. Billy looked at Travis and blurted, “Coach, some of Benny smiled, “Nah, it’s OK.” the guys used it in the locker room. They called Benny a “See what'd I tell you. Gimp, hurry up with those gimp today.” towels man.”
Travis frowned but replied, “Billy, gimp is short for Benny pushed the control button with his wrist in his usual, awkward manner. As he turned the corner, Benny kept smiling; but inside, he didn’t feel very good. “But what the heck,” he thought, “I’m part of the sixth-ranked team in the state. I’ll just have to take the bitter with the sweet.”
“No sir,” answered Billy softly. “Tell me Billy, did you see or hear anything else? I’m not interested in names.”
“Yes sir. Some of the guys were snapping towels and running around. I know that’s against the rules.”
Chuck grabbed his dirty towel and snapped Skip on the rear. Skip snapped him back and chased Chuck between two rows of lockers. guys, all right. Today “Yes it is, Billy,” afÏrmed Travis. “Thank you very much Billy. You’re a good man.” As they approached the practice field, Travis Eddie Troutman was the next on the scene. “Hey number six, tomorrow number one.” Eddie gave Chad a high five. motioned for everyone to go slowly. observed did not look like the number six team. Some players were sitting on their helmets, some were lying “Hey Rick. How ya doin’ big guy?” Troutman asked, “Man, you're eatin’ them up.” around, and a couple of guys were even wrestling.
“Everyone is screwing around,”
“Thanks Eddie,” said Rick . pulse rate doubled.
“Now Rick, don’t say nothin’ man until you hear me out man. OK?” crippled. Do you think that’s what our team is about?” urged Troutman.
Travis burst forward and sprinted toward the practice field leaving his staff behind. No one knew how it was “OK Eddie, but we got practice. Make it quick,” Rick answered. possible, but Travis managed to blow his whistle continuously as he sprinted.
“We got, you know, another party Saturday night. I Travis got the players’ attention. Helmets were know you guys ain’t supposed, you know - uh, to- uh - immediately popped on and chin-straps were buckled. drink; so I can, you know, respect that. But we want you There was a mad scramble by players, managers, and guys to be there. I promise that, you know, guys like Bart assistant coaches.
Travis kept blowing his whistle while his face got pizza and stuff. We'll even have some good punch, you redder and redder. In a matter of seconds, everyone was know, for you guys to drink. What do you say Rick?” around Travis. They all know Travis was mad. They didn’t Rick laughed, “Troutman, maybe there’s hope for you after all. Our class has been together for a long time. Hey, we all want to have a good time together. Yeah, we'll be there. But, just keep the beer away.”
“Still cost you five,” reminded Troutman. know what to expect from him. They had never seen Travis like this before. They were completely silent. Travis roared, “This is the shittiest attitude I’ve ever seen.
Damn it to hell anyway. Who in the hell do you think you are? Grab a knee!
“Yeah?” “Thanks.”
The captains had the responsibility of getting everyone on the practice field on time. Every player was to have his stretching completed before the coaching staff stepped on the field. Each player had the responsibility of “QUEST FOR GREATNESS” working on specialties like deep snaps, punting, kickoffs, passing, receiving, pulling and pass rushing as they had time.
As Coach Drake and the football staff completed their 52
From BFS Magazine — Fall 1990. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
