A Continuing Story by Greg Shepard
Mrs. Atkinson, will you please contact Coach Drake, and ask him to meet me during his preparation period,” said Donaldson in an ofÏcious tone. “And ask him to Quest For Greatness is based on true stories. Coach Travis Drake is the new football coach at Hamilton High School. bring his Lift-A-Thon records.”
Coach Drake knocked on the door. “You wanted to see me, sir?” said Travis as Donaldson opened the door.
The major character is Rick Steadman, who is a “Yes Coach, I do. Dr. Kowalski had some concerns junior at Hamilton. A lot of negative things have about how you're spending the Lift-A-Thon money. He's happened in Rick’s life. He comes from a one-parent asked me to investigate.” family with a dad who also has problems. Rick had been faltering in school and drinking quite heavily.
“Investigate?” Donaldson sensed that investigate was too strong a However, Rick’s life is now changing for the word and reiterated, “Well, you know, check into. It’s just positive because of his girl friend Becky and especially an informal administrative thing of checks and balances.
Coach Drake. He is emerging as a leader, and better Did you bring your records?” student. His family relationships have improved dramatically. Rick is saying “No” to drugs and alcohol while helping lead his teammates to also stay away.
Travis was a bit nervous. He did, however, remain under control as he said, “Yes, they’re all right here.” Donaldson perused each item carefully. He examined The team has established a dream of winning a each figure in silence. Finally, he spoke, “Coach Drake, State Championship even though they’ve experienced you've spent a lot of money on shirts, socks and other a decade of losing. Coach Drake has the whole school things that the students could buy on their own.” psyched up. They just raised $15,000.00 with a Lift-A- Travis was irritated but tried not to show it. “Mr.
Thon and built a new weight room. However, the principal, Jim Donaldson, is out to cause Coach Drake should get something back. We use those things to build problems. unity and pride. They are rewards for achievement. My the players earned the money. I figure they understanding was that I could spend that money as I saw fit, as long as it was for the school.”
Donaldson smiled, “Well of course, but we just wanted “A Few More” to make sure the spending coincided with district policy.” Travis had heard enough and couldn’t constrain “Dr. Kowalski, I have some reservations about Coach Drake,” continued Donaldson. keep a balance on all activities.” himself. “What are you going to do next fall? Are you going to form a committee and call my football plays?”
“Now, now, Coach, no reason to react that way. What upset. Travis had already spent nearly all the money from about these coaches’ uniforms. Don’t you think they area the Lift-A-Thon. “I think Coach Drake has spent the little extravagant? And what about all this food for money on frivolous things and on personal items. We coaches’ meetings?” ought to bring him in and find out exactly Coach Drake stood up and put both hands on the happening with those funds. We've got to put a lid on it. table.
He leaned over facing Donaldson and calmly but If what I think is correct, we should give him a stern forcefully responded, “With regard to the uniforms, I warning and perhaps even a probationary status. You want my staff full of pride. I want us to be first class. I know, Sam Carter and some others aren’t all that pleased want us to be united and to breed enthusiasm. All my about his choice of equipment. I think we've given him assistants are working hard and have given a lot of extra time--free. We have after-school meetings once a week to free reign.”
“Now wait just a minute,” challenged Dr. Kowalski. prepare ourselves. Sure we have some treats, but what's “I've heard a lot of tremendous things about Travis. He’s wrong with that? I’ll tell you something. made a lot of positive changes. A coach has got to be able those meetings, we’ve helped our players get better to run his program. However, you as principal should grades.”
“We had seventeen players who were below a 2.0 GPA inappropriate, you can be certain that action will be and now we've got only three. What would the district taken.” pay to raise grades for that many students? What would Donaldson smiled as he sensed that he’d won a point. “Thank you sir.” it cost the district for all the extra hours that the coaches are putting in? If ] were spending the money on myself, QUEST FOR GREATNESS you’d have reason to be concerned--but I’m not. I’m spending it for the good of the school. Now, let me run my program and don’t worry if I buy my staff a doughnut or two. And believe me, I won't do anything inappropriate with the Lift-A-Thon money.”
“Don’t take this personal. We didn’t mean to impugn your integrity. We just wanted to check your expenses.
I'm satisfied that everything’s OK.”
The meeting went well with each coach elaborating on his special area. Tom Miller reported that two of his solid 240 pounds and with Dan at 6'5" and 225 pounds. He said that Buddy was much more solid and had quicker feet. Coach Littlewood noted the improvement in meeting with Coach Drake. I'd say he’s OK for now. The spending was borderline as far as proprieties go. I'll keep awatch on him.”
Steadman. He was running a 4.6, and he was up to 188 pounds. His size and speed were very encouraging.
Travis informed everyone that five athletes had attained the 400-pound squat level and the 250-pound clean level.
As Travis was walking down the hall toward his ofÏce, Sam Carter was waiting. Sam wanted to go to lunch and talk about the football program. It had to be quick because Travis only had fifty minutes before his next class. As they headed for lunch, Mr. Carter said, “Coach, I like your style. TJ’s been telling me about the physical giants on the team. Even he’s gained eight pounds. We are also aware of the number of players and of the positive stance you are taking on drugs, alcohol, and grades. Everything seems to be improving. running the forty in five flat or better. Emile was the fastest at 4.5, but everyone was pleased with Rick “Dr. Kowalski,”
Donaldson began, “I’ve had my even himself with his sincerity. speed techniques and that thirty-eight players were Donaldson immediately reached for the phone. express my thanks.” “Thanks, Mr. Carter. Everyone’s been working hard.
“Well men, this is in response to the administration and to their tremendous support, ” said Travis, amazing linemen were showing all-state promise, with Buddy at a Mr. Donaldson swiveled in his chair and stood saying, They shook hands and Travis left. ten pounds with all this food.”
Mr. Carter continued, “How is the weight equipment we purchased? Can the booster club be of more assistance? Maybe we could raise some money for some machines to “class up” our weight roorn.”
Travis again told him the weight roonfequipment was super. If any additional money was going to be raised, it could go to helping the team attend a summer camp or to get team jerseys that the kids could keep. Mr. Carter acknowledged the idea and pledged his support. “Coach Drake, ” Mr. Carter questioned, “How is TJ doing? He will be the starting quarterback won’t he?”
Fifty-one had squatted 300 plus, and forty-two had power cleaned 200 plus! Coach McMasters also had good news on grades. Only two players were still below the 2.0 GPA. In fact, twentyeight were headed for the honor roll. Coach Myers completed the improvement report by stating that vertical jumps had improved an average of 3.6 inches per man in the last month and that standing long jumps had improved 5.2 inches per man. He also reported that players had gained an average of eight pounds. Coach Drake concluded the meeting by remarking, “Men, I couldn't be more pleased, It seems like nothing can stop us.
Now that the basketball and wrestling seasons are over, we seem to have picked up a few more players. We have three new potential starters. Tyrone Johnson can jump out of the gym. He wants to try out for defensive back. Mark Russo has given me a strong indication that he would like to try out for quarterback.
He certainly played heads-up ball on the court. Our 185 pounder, Pete Henderson, thinks he can help us in the line—I know he can. He finished fourth at district. Pete told me he started in junior high and only missed this year as a sophomore. Let’s make these guys feel welcome and get them going.”
“Well, Mr. Carter, TJ is working very hard to earn the starting position, ” responded Travis. “However, I can’t say right now.”
“Coach Drake, I'd like to know as soon as possible in order to make my plans. Im in a position to really help your program, if you get my drift.”
Rick and Becky were studying together for an English Travis’ mind was racing and finally he said, “I sure do. test. It looked like a particularly hard test, and they You love your son very, very much; and you want him to studied until 9:30 p.m. at the Wilson house. Rick had kept rise to his potential. As he works hard, improves, and up his intensity in the classroom, and he received a 3.1 EARNS that starting position, he’ll have you to thank.
GPA for the 1st term of the 2nd semester. Coach Drake Not every son has such strong parental support. T]’s had encouraged Rick to go out for baseball. It had been a lucky to have you as a father. Well sir, it’s time for me to couple of years since he’d played, but he was really enjoying the season.
On their way back to school, Travis talked about everything but the starting quarterback position. and he looked like he was going to be a powerful hitter. Fortunately, he was still allowed to lift weights, and he continued to gain strength.
As the staff came in for their weekly meeting, Tom remarked, “What's the occasion? We're all going to gain Mr. Steadman sent everyone to bed at 9:00 p.m. Billy 63 was for a complete recovery. But what would Rick and Billy do? What would happen to them? Where would slept in Rick’s room while Bobby and Sharon shared a they live? How would they eat? How could he support second bedroom. Usually, Rick was there to help tuck himself and Billy? These questions weighed heavy on the them in, but they were getting old enough to do it mind of young Rick Steadman. However, another themselves. Mr. Steadman sprawled out on the couch to question loomed ominously. “Was it my fault?”
Rick watch television and to read the paper. The foreman’s job wondered. If I’d only been home at 9:00 to put everyone was demanding, and he was very tired. He lit a cigarette to bed. It wouldn't have happened.” He searched for and got comfortable to enjoy the rest of the evening in forgiveness or something that would relieve his sick, peace and quiet. Mr. Steadman was soon in a very deep empty feeling of loss and guilt. sleep. But the cigarette continued to burn, and soon the couch and newspapers were smoldering. The smoke, in a sinister way, spread from room to room.
Rick was rounding the corner at 9:45 and he immediately saw the flames and smoke billowing from the roof. His heart pounded. “Oh my God--Please God, don't let it be!” He raced to the Kensington’s, their neighbors, and barged through the door. Rick screamed, “Our house's on late, and the kids were in bed. Travis sat in the living room thinking about Rick and Billy. Diana came down from the bedroom. She knew all this fire! Make a call! Make a call!” He bolted back outside and ripped the front door open. Large columns of smoke and fire burst through the opening forcing Rick back into Mr. Kensington’s arms. He yelled at Rick, “There's nothing you can do! It’s brooding wasn’t the answer.
As she saw the outline of Travis in the darkened living room, she heard him crying softly. She went to the stereo in the living room and put on their love song, “You Light Up My Life.” Travis wiped away his tears and turned on the table gone! It’s gone!” Rick broke loose and vaulted through on the floor and cried out, “Dad, Billy, Bobby, Sharon! Answer me! Please lamp by his E-Z chair. They embraced and danced slowly to their special song. Diana whispered in Travis’ ear, “I love you,” and gave him a gentle hug.
God, let them answer!” Rick was coughing. His eyes were tearing. Rick crawled toward the bedrooms. He found a hand. It was Billy's hand. Rick grabbed it and pulled. He got a grip on both arms and dragged Billy toward the door. He was to the point of exhaustion. He was blacking out. The sirens were blasting as they arrived on the scene. Their piercing sound revived him. Flames were everywhere. Rick came crashing through what was left of the front door and collapsed with Billy in his arms. A fireman pulled them to “What are we gonna do? What's Rick gonna do?” sighed Travis softly.
“I've got a solution for that,” whispered Diana. As she told Travis he began to beam, “You mean that honey?” Just then the phone rang. It was TJ.
“Coach, there’s something you gotta know.” “Yes TJ, what is it?” “Well, some well-meaning parent gave Rick a fifth of whiskey. I’m worried that he'll do something stupid. He just took off, and I can’t find him.”
Travis was deeply affected by the Steadman events. He just couldn’t stop thinking about Rick’s situation. It was could barely see. With cries of anguish, Rick kept trying to make his way back.
“Get them!” He broke loose from the one fireman and stumbled toward the burning wreckage. Three firemen were needed to hold him down.
In a matter of minutes, the mobile home was completely gone. The ambulance sped toward the Hamilton County Hospital. Billy lay motionless. Rick was delirious as he lay beside his brother. Blackened from smoke from head to toe, Rick kept sobbing, “Make him Travis told Diana what had happened, and he was off quickly to look for Rick. He drove over to the Wilson's but the lights were all out. Travis must have driven all over town, twice. He then thought to himself, “I wonder...” Travis drove quickly to the stadium. A full moon cast its light on the playing field. Travis saw a seated figure leaning against the goal post. He quickly and quietly made his way down to the field. “Rick...
Rick, is that you?” live God! Make him live!” News spread like wildfire through the town of Hamilton. Coach Drake was at the hospital by 11:00 p.m.
He could do nothing but be there. Rick had been cleaned and given a sedative. Billy had suffered severe smoke inhalation and was listed in critical condition. Becky stayed overnight at the hospital. She didn't know what else to do. The news about Billy was really good. The prognosis
From BFS Magazine — November/December 1989. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
