Read Online Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong - Free Book Online

varsity for the first time, regarded him with expressions ranging from grim determination to wide-eyed, stomach-churning fear. He stepped to the front of the room.
    â€œGood morning, men. Thanks for turning out.” He looked out over the group assembled in front of him. He had the riveted attention of most, but one of the older students against the lockers leaned over and muttered something to the guy next to him and both snickered. That was fine. Guys like that were in every locker room. And they didn’t worry Andy at all. “You have the toughest couple weeks of your life ahead of you, and I’ve got to be honest, not every one of you is going to make it. All you have to do is look around the room and see that we have about twice as many men in here as we can keep, but I promise you that if you give me everything you’ve got, you’ll get a fair shot. If you don’t, if you think we just can’t do without you, you have a rude awakening coming, because I’ll cut you no matter who you are.” He made eye contact with the two against the lockers. “Are we clear on that?”
    There was an insolent challenge in the look they returned, and Andy glanced back at the clipboard he held. “Okay, the first practice of the day begins at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Get here by 6:45 and start taking laps. At 7:00, Coach Gallegos will blow his whistle and you join us on the field. If you’re not on the track, don’t bother. You’ve just missed practice. Three missed practices and you’re out. First practice of the day lasts till 10:00. The second goes from 4:30 to7:00. Same drill; be on the track at 4:15. Weight room is open from 1:00 to 4:00.”
    He paused and looked out over the boys in front of him, letting his gaze fall on one earnest expression after another. Even the boys leaning against the lockers stood with arms folded over their chests, waiting for what he had to say next.
    â€œI’ve already told you you’re in for the roughest couple of weeks of your life, and you are. You’ll be leaving blood, sweat, and more’n likely your breakfast out there on that field every day, sometimes twice a day. But it’s worth it. Why else would a sane man put himself through all that? When you put on that uniform and take the field under those lights on the first Friday of September, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Now hit the track.”
    With a low rumble, everyone shuffled to their feet and moved toward the door to the field. Andy stopped them.
    â€œOne more thing. There’s been a lot of talk in town, and I’m sure you’ve heard it, about teams gone by and what they did. But that’s old news, ancient history, and it doesn’t have anything to do with us today. This is your time and your season. Now make something of it.” No one moved and Andy waved his clipboard at the door. “Go!”
    In a few seconds, the door swung shut again, leaving the locker room in silence, and Andy checked his roster, still trying to figure out who the two returning players against the lockers were.
    â€œCoach?”
    Andy looked up. He hadn’t noticed this kid, but he wasn’t one who would stand out. Not tall, not big, quiet voice.
    â€œYou are?” He looked down at his clipboard.
    â€œGabe Quintana. Could I talk to you just a minute?”
    â€œSure, Quintana. What’s up?”
    â€œCoach, I really want to play. And I promise to give you everything I’ve got, but I might have a hard time getting here by 6:45. My mom works the night shift at the hospital in San Ramon, and I can’t leave the other kids until she gets home.”
    â€œWhat time does she get home?”
    â€œAbout 6:30 most days, but some days she can’t leave right on time and doesn’t get home till nearly 7:00. I’ll get here just as fast as I can, and I’ll work my tail off when I’m here, but I might be about five minutes