A Continuing Story by Greg Shepard
way, he was always there for the students and seemed to be uniquely understanding in critical situations. The day was very interesting and inspiring for Coach Drake. A steady stream of students came to see Quest For Greatness is based on true stories. what was going on in the new weight room. Some asked Coach Travis Drake is the new football coach at questions about getting involved, either as an athlete or Hamilton High School. with general body-building pursuits. Some came to offer The other major character is Rick Steadman, their talents. who is a Junior at Hamilton.
A lot of negative matter why they came, Coach Drake kept adding things are happening in Rick’s life. He comes students to his classes. from a one-parent family with a dad who also has this activity in the new weight room was problems. Rick is faltering in school and is happening around the painter. Not only had paint been beginning to submit to peer pressure with donated, but a painter as well. The walls were being drinking problems. He lacks direction and is beginning to not care anymore.
The red stripe was four feet from the floor and went a bright white with a 12-inch-wide red stripe.
However, Rick now has had two good things around the perimeter of the weight room. Not much appear in his life. First is his girlfriend, Becky, and lifting was done, but Coach Drake did manage to teach the Hamilton-Lion flexibility program. Everyone was second is Coach Drake. They have established a dream of winning a assigned to do it every day before or after class. As the state championship. Coach Drake has psyched the kids were stretching, Coach Drake meditated about how whole school up and the kids are signing up. nice it was of the community to donate the paint and the painter.
Rick Steadman had Coach Miller for second period, so switching to Coach Drake’s class would be easy.
Coach Miller excused Rick to see Mr. Maddox about a schedule change. As Rick ambled down the hall, he Travis couldn’t help but laugh as he said, “How we doing? How many do we have signed up?” thought about his promise to Becky to sign up for choir. “Well glory be if it isn’t Rick Studman. That was Maddox studied his scribbling on a piece of yellow quite a lift young fella. I’m glad it wasn’t me up there. paper. “You got 23 in your first period and 19 in your I'd have left my family jewels right there on the second.” platform,” exclaimed Mr. Maddox. Rick couldn’t help “How about the other classes?” but grin. Mr. Maddox changed the direction of the “Well sir,”
pondered the somewhat beleaguered conversation as he asked, “How’s your daddy doin’ counselor, “You have about four per class at this point.
But after that assembly of yours, I know a lot more than that will want your classes. Let me ask you a question. How ‘bout females?”
Rick?” “He's doin’ better. He may be gettin’ the foreman’s job pretty soon.” Most of the time, Fred Maddox would not look “What do you mean Fred?” said Travis knowing full well what he meant. “You don’t want them lifting do you?” directly at you; but when he did, he got your attention Mr. Maddox knew of Rick’s situation. know most every student's situation.
“Why not?” responded Travis rhetorically, “I’ve faced Rick. His eyes were now compassionately gentle already talked with the coaches of our ladies teams. as he stated, “Rick, I've known your daddy for a long They think lifting will be great for them. I’d like to steer time. them into classes after second period. Also, sign up any right now; so anytime you need to talk, my door’s students interested in being aides. “I'll let you get back to the students. Thanks a bunch Fred, Good Luck!” conversation again, Mr. Maddox said, “Now, you want Fred Maddox was speachless for a moment, which was amazingly uncommon.
As he motioned for the next student to come in, he could be heard muttering, “Glory be, females liftin’ weights. to.” The other students in the hall al! laughed. Almost He’s a good man, but I know things are tough open.” to get in Coach Drake’s Weight Training class, right?” as he turned and sat down at his computer. “Yes sir. It should be easy. I’ve got Coach Miller second period.” Mr. Maddox punched a few numbers into his everyone liked his eccentric manner, and Mr. Maddox almost reveled in his character. In spite of his crusty 26 QUEST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 26 is no problem. I’m just glad to be in this fine school, and I'd be glad to have you in my weight training class.”
Most of the time Travis acted normal, but not today; computer.
“Presto,” he exclaimed, “First time I got it right so he was having a lot of fun playing “mind games” with the students. quickly. You’re in Rick. Here’s your slip.” Rick took his admission slip and asked, kind of The boy just stood there. He didn’t know what to under his breath, “Mr. Maddox, how tough would it be say. Travis’ statement had completely disarmed him. As to switch from study hall to chorus.”
Travis finished taking care of the tray, he returned.
“What are you talkin’ about? Choir? You want to “What's your name,” asked Travis smiling. “Bob,” said the boy stifÒy. sing?”
“Becky has been talking about it, and I actually want “Well Bob,” said Travis softly, I’m glad to meet you. “Don’t sweat it. I’m for you not against you. You're to do it because of her.”
Again Fred Maddox turned and faced Rick. “You Okay.” Travis shook Bob’s hand and left. mean Becky Wilson. She's quite a girl Rick, but what Just outside the hall, three girls were giggling as about your school work? I’ve been really concerned they eyed Coach Drake. Travis laughed as he came up to about your grades. Don’t you need the time to study?” the, “What are you girls up to anyway?”
Rick answered assertively, “Things are lookin’ up in “We've got a question Coach Drake.” the grade department Mr. Maddox. Me and Becky “Well first, tell me your names.”
—er—I mean Becky and I have been studying together.
“I’m Ann, I’m Susan and I’m Barbara,” they Becky said I could make a lot better use of my time in choir. I don’t think I can sing very well, but she says I'd responded. “Well Ann, Susan and Barbara what is your question?” Coach Drake said with a friendly twinkle. be Okay.” “Glory be, why don’t you come over here and just punch this into the computer. It sounds like you have everything all figured out,” laughed Mr. Maddox as he “Well Coach Drake,” asked Susan sheepishly, “Can girls sign up for your Weight-Training Classes?” “Why sure. You can get some great benefit from lifting. But I must warn you that it’s a tough class. I punched in some more numbers. ‘Here you go.
You’re all set for chorus. Now before expect hard work and no foolishness. If you go out for any of the Red Lion’s Lady teams, the class will improve you go, tell me how math is going.”
Rick looked down shyly and stammered slightly, “Mr. Baker told me he wished I could do math as well as your athletic abilities just like it will improve the boys’.”
Coach Drake then made his way outside. He began picking up cans and talking to a few students who lifted on stage.” Mr. Maddox stared at his computer and asked braved the brisk, but bright December day. Coach Drake liked the small town atmosphere. Most kids at Hamilton were fairly conservative; but like every responded, “You know, because I am studying with school, it had a few on the fruit-loop fringe, he thought.
Becky and because of some good things that have He saw a group of six kids around one corner of the happened with Coach Drake, I bet | CAN get a a good building. They had the weird hairdos and the blackgrade in math.” leather look. Coach Drake knew this was their way of Mr. Maddox had a warm feeling inside as he stared making a statement and showing off their individuality. at his computer. But he still retorted, “Well boy don’t However, he couldn’t help laughing to himself as he just stand there. Go get ‘em. I got work to do.” walked closer. The four boys were all wearing earrings With that Rick bolted out the door and down the hall as he said, “Thanks Mr. Maddox—thanksa lot.”
and black, spiked leather bracelets. They were surprised to see Coach Drake, and they Coach Drake put his planning period and lunch tried to hide their cigarettes. All but one that is, and hour to good use. He roamed the halls and conversed Coach Drake had recognized him from the yearbook. with as many students as possible.
The boy didn’t flinch as he continued to smoke.
His “Hi men” became a familiar greeting. Coach “Your name's Bart isn’t it?” said Travis politely.
Drake made it a point to pick up trash as he talked to “So,” each group. He didn’t say anything about the trash as he “My name’s Coach Drake, and I recognized you was picking it up. He only beamed as he said, “I love Bart curtly responded. from your picture in the yearbook.” this school already; you students are the greatest.” As he “So,” he again curtly responded. talked to students in the cafeteria, he did basically the “Well Bart,” Travis continued, “I had some of the same thing. Coach Drake saw one student leave his tray varsity starters over at my place the other night. They on the table. He walked over immediately and picked said that you were a pretty good athlete. up the tray.
Many eyes focused on what was going to “So,” again came the reply. happen next. The kid who left the tray on the table Travis almost lost control, but then reminded defiantly braced himself fora confrontation. himself that he had no idea what this kid had gone Travis smiled as he said to the boy, “Relax, this tray Continued on the next page QUEST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 51 Rick took his turn. “Well sir, it’s simple. We lie on a bench and take a weight down to our chest and then through. And besides, everyone can change for the better. push it up. We'd like you to pledge money for each pound that we lift. I can do around 200 pounds; and “So here’s the deal,”
smiled Travis unblinkingly. “I’m inviting you to join my Weight Training class, and if things work out, I’ll invite you to be on our football team. If you'll work hard and dedicate yourself, I'll work my butt off for you. I’ll do everything I can to give you the opportunity of being successful in every phase of your life and of reaching your potential. | don’t care about your past. You have an opportunity right now for a fresh start.” As Travis was talking, he was picking up pop cans around the boys. “Vl think about it man,” Bart said with a steely hardness. Travis knew that the boy had to stay in character in front of his friends.
However, he hoped that Bart would really think about his offer. Travis turned and put the cans he had picked up in the trash can, and said, “Okay Bart, I'll see you. Take care.” As Travis made his way back into the school, one of the girls turned to Bart and snickered, “Man, that guy is weird man, totally weird.”
“So,” Bart muttered as he finished his cigarette. What a week thought Travis. he was glad it was Friday. Travis plopped down in his Toyota and began the three-hour trip back to his family. “I can’t wait to see Diana and the kids,” he said aloud. He turned to a country music station and began to think about the week.
He now had fifty-five kids in the first two periods. He had an average of twelve kids in the other classes. Plus, another twenty-one who had to wait until semester break to work weight training into their class schedule were coming after school. He had six teacher aides, two managers, a photographer, and Hamilton’s best art student who had offered to paint a ferocious red lion on the weight-room wall. All in all, Travis Drake was extremely pleased at such an overwhelming response to his assembly.
Becky, we hope, can doabout 50 pounds.” “That is if | don’t kill myself first,” chimed in Becky. Mr. Dixon laughed out loud, “Well kids, our budget is pretty tight; but Becky, I suppose 1 could pledge a quarter for you and a nickel for you Rick. Is that Okay?” “It sure is Mr. Dixon and thanks a you and your family can come watch. It’s next Monday night at 6:30 in the gym. We've got hot dogs, drinks, and balloons for the kids. It should be loads of fun,” added Becky.
And so it went. Some gave more and some less. Ninety people had agreed to participate in the Lift-AThon. Sixty-five boys, mostly athletes; fifteen girls, cheerleaders and student body ofÏcers and ten adults.
Coach Drake had arranged special contests between the Presidents of Hamilton’s two local banks and between Hamilton's Police Chief and Fire Chief. “How much you got Becky?” asked Rick. “1 got you beat,” taunted Becky.
“Oh yeah, well we'll see who’s the strongest Monday night,” challenged Rick teasingly as he took Becky into his arms for a very long good-night kiss.
Becky had $5.50 per pound in pledges, counting 75 cents from her parents and grandparents. Rick had $1.15 per pound pledged.
Neeless to say, Coach Drake was sweating blood for a while. But when the pledges began to come in, he began to breathe a have to worry about the hot dogs and drinks, Mr. Carter was in charge of them. He got everything donated. The orange drinks were from McDonald’s and the hot dogs were donated by two local supermarkets. Mr. Carter decided to charge a quarter for the hot dogs and to give the drinks away. Mr. Carter and Coach Drake wanted as many people there as possible and for them to have fun. To help promote community involvement, Coach Drake “Hi Daddy!” squealed Shauna as Travis came through the front door. “Hello pumpkin. Boy did I miss you.”
Travis picked up his little Shauna and held her close as he whirled her around. Matt and Andrea got their hugs; and finally, Travis was alone with Diana. would speak at a special booster club meeting held in conjunction with the Lift-A-Thon. He would be ofÏcially introduced to the community at this meeting. But Travis’ biggest worry was the pledges. His neck was on the line. Coach Miller, Tanselli, McMasters, Littlewood and Myers were busy tallying the pledges from their groups. As soon as they were finished, they gave the totals to Coach Drake. “Woo,” whooped Travis as he stared at the totals. “If everybody lifts and if everyone collects what they're Becky and Rick knocked on Mr.
Dixon's door. “Hello Mr. Dixon, I’m Becky Wilson and this is Rick Steadman. We're in the Hamilton High Lift-A-Thon to raise money for our new weight room. I’m going to lift as much as | can, and so is Rick. We would like to have you as a sponsor. Can we count on you to help us?” This was a canned speach that everybody was using. Mr. Dixon smiled pleasantly and asked, “How supposed to, we'll have over ten thousand dollars!” Three benches were set up in the gym. Coach Drake had made certain the floor was protected. Phil Singleton, the basketball coach, was a would drop a weight on his newly finished floor.
Two of the benches and weights had been borrowed from athletes; but all in all, the set up looked good.
From BFS Magazine — Winter 1989. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
