A Continuing Story by Dr. Greg Shepard
A Continuing Story by Greg Shepard Travis was excited as he stepped to the microphone.
Sam Carter’s exuberance had really ignited the crowd. As he cleared his throat, everyone became quiet and waited for Travis’ first words.
Quest For Greatness is based on true stories. Coach “Tam overwhelmed and very, very glad to be here at Travis Drake is the new football coach at Hamilton Hamilton.
High School. stepping stone in our pathway to victory.
The major character is Rick Steadman, who is a taste it !”
Junior at Hamilton. A lot of negative things are happening in Rick’s life. He comes from a one-parent Again the crowd responded enthusiastically. introducing the new football staff, Travis went on, “Your family with a dad who also has problems. Rick is kids are great. faltering in school and is beginning to not care anymore.
We should be very, very proud of them.
They have worked hard for our fundraiser. will go to build and equip a new weight training facility.
However, Rick now has had two good things Your generosity tonight will enable us to have the best weight room in the state!” second is Coach Drake.
The crowd cheered once more.
They have established a dream of winning a state “The weight-training facility will be available for all championship. Coach Drake has psyched the whole athletes in all sports, including the women’s sports. school up and the kids are signing up. They are also raising money for a new weight room with a Lift-Aguarantee victories.
Thon. reach, after a lot of hard work, our potential. you that our staff will dedicate ourselves totally to giving your kids this priceless opportunity. you to be proud of them; but most of all, we want them to be proud of themselves. lifting areas.
Bob Brentwood was taking pictures all over the place. True to his word, he has given the Lift-A-Thon some good press.
It must have helped because a lot of people showed up.
They started coming about six. kept the hot dogs cooking while Mr. Donaldson the many parents and boosters with his best smile. At seven o'clock, Sam Carter took the microphone distinguished guests, and people of Hamilton High, it is my pleasure to welcome you tonight.” Mr.
Alderwood, “Sounds important doesn't he.” Bernie didn’t even blink “As your booster club president, I want to thank you for the tremendous support you are showing tonight. is my privilege to introduce to you our new football coach.
He has been a winner in the past, and the way this fireball is going now, we're going to have a winner here!” A thundeous burst of applause broke out along with some whistles and cheers. “Let's give our biggest Hamilton welcome to Coach Ainstantly to applaud, and soon everyone was giving Travis a standing ovation The gym was a loaders, and judges expertly guided the participants though their lifts Rick spotted Becky and nine other girls on the lightweig, was careful not to get mustard on his suit as he greeted the crowd. begin !”
Bernie Aldewood was in charge of roping off the ht bench et mean,” taunted Rick encouragingly to Becky.
All the girls were giggling , and the parents were laughing it up. Fred nudged Bernie again, “What if one of them farts?
You know they’re not suppose to do that.”
Finally Bernie laughed. “Push it!
Push it!”
Rick shouted. through with 60 pounds. applauded.
Becky,” you up on the team.”
‘Go ahead and laugh,” times 60 is $330.00! pounds to beat me.” and walked to the tabulation table.
Rick was speechless.
He just stood there with his mouth open. Over at the big-boys bench, Rick’s teammates were psyching up.
He quickly joined them as they were Continued on page 51 QUEST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 26 starting to lift. with the crowd's enthusiasm seeming to help, everybody was getting a new max. “Push it! Push it!” Screamed Becky when Rick's turn he seemed disappointed. However, Becky was not. She beamed, “Rick that was great.” next season.” “Patience,” Becky said as she took him by the arm and escorted him to the tabulation table. can to it, but it takes time.”
The last event was the contest between the two bankers and the contest between the police chief and the fire chief. Sam Carter did a marvelous job as he got the bankers to agree that the one who lost would donate an extra thousand dollars. The way the “chiefs” were going at it, one might think that they had agreed to give an extra thousand. gasped Mr. Maddox, “He's as old as lam. | can't watch. He's goin’ to lose ‘em for sure Bernie.”
Kowalski as his eyebrows narrowed slightly. “I want to use it for motivational things like medals, charts, awards, and shirts. And we'll need to keep some Dr. Kowalski thought for a minute and cautioned, “That sounds fine; but with all this money involved, I want you to strictly follow district policy. Make sure you have a purchase order for everything you get and keep very accurate records. You'll be reporting directly to Mr.
Donaldson because your funds will be run through the high school. Thanks for coming in; now go get ‘em.” As Travis nodded and headed toward school, Superintendent conversation with Donaldson yesterday afternoon.
Kowalski shook his head slightly as he recalled that Donaldson was excited about raising the money, but he was more concerned about mismanagement of funds if they weren’t handled properly. At lunch, John Myers and Travis sat together in the Bernie just shook his head. Sam Carter’s voice boomed over the loud speaker. “We got a total folks!
We got a total! participants lifted their hearts out for a good cause.
Coach Drake,” Sam screamed, “You got $14.672.00!” Everyone stood and cheered and cheered and cheered. long as possible for the interest. Now what are you to replace equipment as needed.”
“Look at our fire chief go,” understand that we must keep money in our account as going to do with the excess money?” questioned Dr. came. Rick did get a new max of 265 pounds, but “When the bills come in, I'll take care of my ten. You Travis felt a tremendous rush of excitement, but it was not as great as the feeling of relief at knowing that it was over---he had pulled it off. His neck was off the line. faculty area. “How’s the family doin’ Travis? When you movin’ them here?” Travis smiled, “John, it could be this weekend. We've got a house picked out over on Elm Street. I think we'll probably have to rent our old house while we're trying to sell it.
One thing for sure, I can’t afford to make double house payments. Anyway, I want you and Barbara over for dinner first thing.” “Hey buddy, we're goin’ to have you over. Diana will be exhausted from moving,” interrupted John with a nod. “Anyway, what I wanna know is when can I start workin’ out in our new weight room.”
“Anytime, partner, anytime,” came the answer. A bond of friendship, which would later prove to be an essential ingredient for future success, was developing.
“You wanted to see me, Dr. Kowalski?” asked Coach Drake. “Yes 1 do, Coach. Come in. First, That night, Sam Carter was on the phone with another booster. “Yeah, I was in rare form wasn’t I,” said Mr. Carter agreeing. “You know with all that money, ‘Congratulations.’ That Lift-A-Thon was quite an event. maybe we could get some machines. I’m still not You've certainly won that battle. I also wanted you to convinced about free weights. Hell, doesn’t everyone know that I heard a lot of fine comments by parents. I'd use machines? Maybe our coach was just going to get say you're off to a fine start. Now give me an update on free weights because they're cheap. Maybe we should your weight room plans.”
get more involved and go to Donaldson. After all, we “Well sir,” began Travis, “First, thanks for those comments. It’s nice to get positive feedback. As for the weight room, the equipment has been ordered. | shouldn’t have to cancel any items. I totaled the monies last night, and we have a little over nineteen thousand to turn in right now. The kids are still collecting the rest; and, hopefully, they'll bring in another five thousand.” “Nineteen thousand!” said an excited superintendent. “Well sir, | was counting your ten thousand,” answered Travis with a little apprehension. “Oh yeah, I forgot about that,” grinned Dr. Kowalski. want the best for our kids.”
TJ was standing in the hallway out of sight, but still he overheard. A tight knot formed in his stomach.
Rick and Becky were making the rounds to collect their Lift-A-Thon money. “Hello again Mr. Dixon. I suppose you heard about the success of the Lift-A-Thon?” Mr. Dixon smiled, “I sure did. How could I miss it? It was front-page news. Don’t tell me, Rick, you lifted a ton and I owe you a mint.”
“No sir,” laughed Rick, “ 1 benched 265, and Becky Continued on the next page 54 QUEST FOR GREATNESS Continued from page 51 Rick breathed a mental sigh of relief as Mr. Steadman got up from his couch and shook Travis’ hand politely. blasted up 60 pounds.” After collecting the money, Rick walked Becky home.
The kids came running from their bedrooms. After the introductions, Travis spoke warmly to Mr. Steadman.
As they kissed by the front door, Rick began to squirm “Rick has made giant strides in a very short time. He is uncomfortably. one of our strongest athletes and has demonstrated fine “What is it Rick?” asked Becky a little concerned. leadership capabilities. Rick is proving to be one of the Rick got in his now-familiar embarrassed posture as most responsible students in the school. We are really he looked down and began to stammer. “B-Becky” “Yes Rick” Rick managed to summon up his courage but still stuttered, “Becky, I’ve got something for you; but I’m afraid you'll think it’s stupid.” “Rick, I would never think of you as stupid. What is ite”
Rick reached in his jeans and pulled out a ring and murmured, “Here, it’s to say, like we're goin’ steady or something.” “Oh Rick, It’s sweet.”
Then Rick blurted, “You know how much I love you!”
“No Rick, I don’t. [ mean I didn’t.” This time it was Becky who was stammering. They held each other very close as Rick whispered, “Well, I do. I love you very much.” Becky looked up, “And, I love you too Rick.” As Rick walked home, he was on cloud nine. “Wow!” he yelled. “I beg your pardon,” said Coach Drake. Rick whirled around. He had been in such a daze, he hadn't heard Coach Drake drive up beside him. counting on Rick to lead us to a championship next season.” All this time Mr. Steadman was beaming like a Christmas tree as Rick kept looking at the floor. Billy proudly smiled at his big brother. “You know,” continued Travis, “Rick and | were talking the other day.
He must be real proud of you. He told me that you are a very hard worker. He also told me that you really wanted him to do well and to have a better life than you have.” Mr. Steadman didn’t know what to say, but now he was the one staring intently at the floor. Travis then turned to Rick and said, “Rick you're real fortunate to have such a great family. You do your best by them. You hear?” “Yes sir,” mumbled Rick. “Well, I’ve got to be going. Mr. Steadman it’s been a pleasure. Rick, you take care.”
And with that, Travis Drake was back in his car. He had been in their home only a few minutes, but he hoped Mr. Steadman knew that he was sincere.
Mr. Steadman gently asked, “Would you kids mind going to bed now. I'd like to talk to Rick for a minute.” Mr. Steadman took Rick by the shoulders at arms’
“You need a ride?” asked Travis. length and looked into his eyes. “Son, I'm really proud After a moment's hesitation, Rick answered, “Naw of you,” he said with his voice soft and with his eyes Coach, that’s OK.” “Oh come on—get in,” Travis insisted. “I want to talk to you anyway.”
Rick hustled around to the passenger’s side and hopped in.
“You in love Rick?” Travis asked rather nonchalantly. It was dark, but you could almost see an intense brimming with emotion. “When I think of all the things you could have told the Coach about me,” his voice trailed off. “Rick, 1 promise you that I’m going to be a better father,” he finally whispered.
“I love you Dad,” Rick responded emotionally. “And I love you, son.” Then, Mr. Steadman hugged Rick for the first time since the death of Rick’s mother. blush build up in Rick’s face. Rick’s mind was racing for something to say, but he just couldn’t think of anything. Travis laughed, “It’s okay Rick. It happens to the best of us. Say, is your dad home?”
Grateful that the subject had been changed, Rick turned and said, “Why yes Coach, I think so.” Travis nodded, “I'd like to meet him. I’m trying to meet every player’s family.” Again, Rick’s mind was racing. “Please don’t let him be in a bad way,” thought Rick. Trying to change the subject he said, “Coach I got all my Lift-A-Thon money collected, and so did Becky.” “That's great Rick. You guys really did a terrific job. We should have our equipment in a couple of weeks.” They pulled up in the gravel driveway; and as they entered the mobile home, Rick yelled, “Dad, Billy, “A Thousand Sons”
From BFS Magazine — Spring 1989. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
