A Continuing Story by Greg Shepard
QUICK REVIEW Chapters 1-20 Quest For Greatness is based on true stories. Coach Travis Drake is the new football coach at Hamilton High School.
The major character is Rick Steadman, who is a Junior at Hamilton. A lot of negative things are happening in Rick’s life. He comes from a one-parent family with a dad who also has problems. Rick is faltering in school and is beginning to not care anymore.
However, Rick now has had two good things appear in his life. First is his girlfriend, Becky, and second is Coach Drake. They have established a dream of winning a state championship. Coach Drake has psyched the whole school up and the kids are signing up. They have just raised $15,000.00 and the program is in full gear. player’s record book. In my estimation, we are still weak, but we've made vast improvements.”
Coach McMasters beamed, “I never thought we'd have twenty-one players benching over 200 pounds!”
Travis continued to look at the figures, “By next fall, we should have at least twelve who bench 300 plus. But the main lifts we should be concerned about are the Parallel Squat and the Power Clean. our starters Squatting at least 400 and Cleaning 250 pounds.” Coach Littlewood spoke, “Coach Drake, I’ve had some of the receivers come by, and they really feel they are getting faster. They’ve been telling me about their form and technique. You know what we should do? We should video tape them running. Then, they could better visualize their efforts.” Travis’ eyes darted up. “That's brilliant. | really like that idea. Can you get video equipment for classes?” “Sure can coach,”
responded Coach Littlewood positively. He was feeling more and more like part of the staff. “You know Jerry, I’m kind of weak at sprinting techniques. Could you organize the video taping over the analysis part. The teachers’ aides can assist you.”
Coach Myers added, “We should all be very positive and make an effort to talk to players when we see them. We ought to ask them not only about their lifts and their Jerry Littlewood interjected, “What if they won't come to the study hall?”
Everyone agreed and the meeting was over. Travis Travis responded, “It’s voluntary. help, not punish. times but also about their classes.” read and understand their assignments. Heck, if a man won’t go to class, be on time, and assignment on schedule, then he won't get a good grade. was the last one out the door. “Coach Drake! Coach Drake! Can I talk to you fora minute?”
Startled at first, Travis looked down and saw a boy in a wheelchair. “Yes, you surely can.”
Getting a 2.0 is almost always predicated on those three Travis was fearful that maybe this was the boy who things. If he won’t do those three things and if he refuses had knocked on the door over an hour ago. “Have you our help, then how can we count on him on the football been waiting long?” field. He simply does not want to win nor be a part of “Only about an hour,” said the boy. “But that’s Okay our goal!” Travis could really get worked up when he Coach, because I want to see if I can help, like maybe started talking about self-destructive things students do being a manager.” to themselves. Coach Myers took a turn.
Travis asked, “What's your name son?” not believe. They’re testing us.
“It’s Benny, Coach,” he said with a wide smile.
“Good to meet you, Benny,” Travis acknowledged as this and truly try to help them, we won't have very his eyes quickly looked at Benny’s legs and arms. Benny many that won't get a 2.0 GPA. was nearly a quadriplegic. He had no use of his legs Travis thanked Coach Myers and proceeded to go whatsoever and only limited use of his shoulders, arms, over the handout that illustrated the progress of the and fingers. team. Coach Miller exclaimed, looking at Travis, “Coach Benny?” Travis finally asked. this is amazing. You really went to a lot of effort!” Coach Drake sat looking at the figures and said, “The teachers’
“Anything Coach. I just want to help,” responded Benny with his continued smile. aides did this. They just took the figures out of each Continued on page 51 QUEST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 26 “You heard about the super party. You're goin’ aren’t ya, Rick?”
“Well, | could use a good man to keep track of two “Haven't really thought about it.” important areas,” mused Coach Drake. “Do you think “Haven't thought about it! Everyone’s goin’ to be you could be my chief in charge of towels and footballs? there man. It’s at Sherman’s house again. It’s what’s You could save us a lot of money if you could keep an happening. Big things are goin’ down. Oh, I get it. You been spendin’ so much time with that broad Becky, man, accurate count.”
Benny’s eyes and face beamed as he answered, “Coach Drake, I’m your man. I can keep an accurate record, and [ can hand them out and put them away.” you've been out of touch, man.” Rick whirled around, his eyes flashing and grabbed Troutman with both hands and slammed him against “Boy, I'm glad that’s settled. That's the best offer I've the locker. Rick’s voice was quiet, yet like acid as he had all week,” said Coach Drake. “I’ve been worried said, “Don’t you ever talk about Becky like that again or about that area. By the way Benny, how do you get I'll waste your face. You got that Troutman?” around in that thing? And tell me what happened to “Yeah, yeah, I got it.
Don’t get your underwear in a tight wad man. Lemme down!” squealed Troutmen. you.” “Coach, you see these buttons? They control everything. | can go about any place there are not stairs.
Eddie hadn't realized it until now, but Rick had gained about 10 pounds and his grip was like a vice.
I was in a car accident when I was five years old. I can’t “Anyway, it’s like before,” spoke Troutman like move my legs but I’m working on better use of my nothing had happened. “It’s five for the kegger. Another five if Becky drinks, and if you really want a buzz man, hands and arms.” “Benny, I’m sure glad you came by, and now I need to ask one more thing. Valentine’s day is next week. Don’t let me forget that my wife, Diana, deserves my I'm roundin’ up some good stuff. Only thing, you know, it costs like ten a hit.” Rick’s grip got even tighter. “I don’t want anything you got. I don’t even want you in our locker room. attention on that day.”
“Okay Coach,” Beny grinned. “Ill remind you.”
You're like a disease that won't quit.” Rick shoved him “Thanks Benny. Come by tomorrow and I'll get you toward the exit. started. Can I give you a ride home?” Travis asked. “No thanks Coach, I can make it just fine. See you Unfazed, Troutman looked at Rick as he walked backwards. “I know you man. You'll be there; and for a friend, I'll cut you some slack. The first hit you take will tomorrow.”
Travis watched Benny motor his wheelchair down the hall. A lump settled in Travis’ throat as he was again be on me.”
A small crowd had gathered around the scene. Rick reminded of his blessings and the strong spirit of those looked around. “We got to stick together guys. We're not with special challenges. doin’ any of Troutman’s shit. We can have a good time without it.” Mr. Steadman was reading the newspaper and watching the television. Rick came in and sat on the couch by his father. Mr. Steadman put the paper down and said, “How’s it goin’ son?”
It’s goin’ great Dad. How’ it with you?” The towels were folded and put in their slot. Some of seconds to take care of one towel. Nonetheless, he had worked hard all week and got the job done. legs look like they’re gonna bust out.”
Rick smiled and responded, “It’s all those squats I’ve “Coach Drake, the towels are all done,” announced Benny proudly. “We have 562 towels.” been doing. I think I weigh 183 now, and I’ve reached six foot one.”
“You've done well, Benny,” replied Travis.
“That's great son. | think the days are gone that [ can “Coach, one more thing. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget!” tangle with you. I’m proud of your grades. You don’t know how proud. Anyway, if you need any money “What would I do without you Benny?” declared Travis. tonight, I got a five to spare.” “No Dad, that’s Okay. Becky and | are goin’ out. Doa In the locker room, Rick was finishing getting dressed after his workout. Around the corner came Eddie Troutmen.
“Well son, that foreman’s job is looking’ good. I'll know next week. Say. I was noticin’ your jeans. Your .
“Hey, what’s happenin’ my man,” Troutman said, addressing Rick. little dancin’ and then maybe go over to a party at Matt Sherman’s place.” Mr. Steadman was amazed. A kid in this day-and-age turning down money on a night out. Rick said good-bye to everyone and was out the door.
“Not much,” said Rick purposely looking into his locker. Continued on the next page QUEST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 51 “We got ‘em! We got ‘em!” Troutman yelled excitedly. “Line up. These little vials will give you a buzz like “Hello Mr. Wilson,” greeted Rick as he came to pick up Becky.
“Well hello Rick. Boy, you sure are fillin’ out. How’s the team look for next year. You goin’ to win?” All the players had been taught by Coach Drake how to answer these kinds of questions. “We're workin’ hard, sir; and we're going to do our best,” offered Rick. “Becky, you look great. You ready to 02”
‘ Becky gave that great big smile of hers. “Sure Rick. See ya Daddy. I love you.” Rick and Becky decided to go to an early movie. Rick there’s no tomorrow. They’re only ten bucks for one incredible rush. What we ought to do is have a repeat of the famous contest. That will heighten everything. I’ve got a ten to bet on Buddy. I know he”II beat Rick Steadman this time. Let’s go for it guys!” Troutman’s eyes were flashing. It was obvious he was high on something. Buddy didn’t know quite what to do. He’d been cutting down on beer quite a bit this year, but the crowd began to chant. Rick glared at Troutman and then began to smile. He came forward.
Becky pulled at Rick’s arm and pleaded, wanted an excuse for missing the party or at least as “Rick don’t.” Rick grabbed Troutman and pulled him off much of it as possible. After the movie, they walked the chair and took his place. Rick raised his arms for close together. It was a cold February night so they had quiet. Becky held her breath. two reasons to be close. Kirby and Emile came driving “Thanks Eddie. You've sure gone to a lot of trouble, by and honked . “Hey you two, hop in; we're going over but I’ve got to decline your invitation. You should know to the party.” that Buddy and J are in training. I had hoped that you “No thanks guys,” answered Rick.
“We're going to woulda respected our position. | don’t want your vials spend the rest of the evening over at Becky’s place.” or your keg. All I want to do is dance with Becky and Rick hadn’t really asked Becky, but he thought it’d be have a good time with my friends. Buddy, turn on the okay.” music!”
“Maybe you should go Rick,” Emile persisted. “A lot Buddy turned on the music even louder than before. of the team is there, and Troutman says he’s going to Becky rushed over and nearly tackled Rick as she threw have some all-time stuff that we'll never forget.” her arms around him. Rick slung her around laughing “Hey man,” Rick retorted, “That Troutman’s poison.
He’s gonna screw you up.” “We're just gonna watch, man,” confessed Emile. Rick came to an abrupt halt. “Becky, I gotta go.” as they began to dance amid a number of pats on the back.
Troutman didn’t know what to do. He went from person to person trying to get ten. He had very few Becky had marveled at the way Rick had grown and takers. Soon Bart appeared at the door, wearing his progressed, but she didn’t want to take a chance on any black leather outfit. regression. “No Rick,” she pleaded,” I don’t want to go over there. The last time was the worst of my life.”
“Troutman! | want to see you right now!” ordered Bart. He grabbed Eddie by the collar and yanked him Rick’s mind flashed back to that time, which had outside. “Listen you little weasel. 1 gave you 50 vials. ended with him puking his guts out. Becky had forgiven You owe me three hundred. You said you could get him graciously, but now he knew she carried a scar. This everybody high.” thought made him even more determined.
Rick and Becky danced until after midnight. TJ “Give us a ride,” Rick stated. “Becky, please have congratulated Rick on his stand and even said that faith in me.” No one spoke all the way to Matt everyone should stick together. Everyone seemed to Sherman’s house. have a great time, especially Rick and Becky.
“Hey Rick! How’s it goin’ big guy?” greeted Eddie Troutman. “I knew you'd come. You got your money?”
“Sorry Troutman, we're just going to dance and have a good time without the keg.” Troutman squawked, “Hey, we gotta pay for it man.
You take one sip, and it’s gonna cost you five. Anyway this party’s gonna start jumpin’ when Bart gets here.”
Rick just ignored Troutman and walked with Becky, Emile, and Kirby right by him into the house. A lot of kids were there, and the music was loud. “Let's dance,” Rick asked Becky. As they started to dance, he saw Buddy, Jim, TJ, and Jeff. He nodded. After the dance, Eddie Troutman came running through the door with a brown bag. He stood chair and yelled for quiet.
“QUEST FOR GREATNESS”
From BFS Magazine — Fall 1989. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
