Senior Year Box Set

Wyatt was waiting for me in the locker room, soaking in what it felt like to be on a winning team. I helped him get his football pads off so he could change into his street clothes, then packed his gear into his duffle bag to take home. His dad came and got him while Jeff filmed us. He was a happy boy. It felt good to do something for a kid in his situation.

After he left, I made sure my phone was no longer streaming. Coach Hope found me and invited Ty to join Coach Mason and Coach Rector to talk to the press. Coach Hope stood off to the side as we stepped outside the locker room. I missed being at home, where we had a dedicated room for talking to the press.

“Why didn’t you play the first half?” Jeff asked as the first question.

I think Coach Mason saved us because I didn’t plan to cover anyone’s butt.

“This is an internal team matter. Just so you know, I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I can read your minds,” Coach said with a half-smile. “Before you jump to any conclusions, this was not punishment of some kind. This was a reward for players who have busted their butts and did everything we asked of them. Everyone knew this before the start of the game.”

Of course, that wasn’t the last question about it. Several of the reporters had seen what happened at halftime on the streaming video. When I was asked about it, I said I’d been assured it would be dealt with. Then I fell into my ‘aw shucks, I’m just a team player, happy to get the opportunity to play, and God’s hand was in all of it’ routine.

I made no effort to defend the decision. I figured Coach Hope had created this mess; he could figure out what to do about it.

◊◊◊

Chapter 8 – Hotness Sunday September 11

I was getting ready to go running when my cell rang. When I looked at the caller ID, I saw it was an 859 area code. I tried to remember where that was.

“This is David,” I answered.

“David, Coach Styles,” said the head coach for the University of Kentucky.

“Morning, Coach, how can I help you?”

“I saw you left us off your visit list. I know you’ve been on campus a couple of times. What I’d really like to do is schedule an in-home visit before you get much further into your recruiting process. I think I can help you narrow the field and make this process as easy as possible.”

“By committing to the University of Kentucky,” I finished his thought.

“I knew you were smart,” he said and chuckled.

“When did you want to do this?” I asked.

“I talked to the woman answering your phone, Megan, and she said something about you being banned from your dojo until Tuesday. Would tomorrow night work?”

I would have to talk to Megan about sharing too much information with recruiters. I knew that she hadn’t given him my number; he’d stolen it when we met at Wesleyan a year and a half ago. This was the first time he’d used it. I was glad I hadn’t had to block his number.

Kentucky had been the first school to offer me, and Coach Styles had always been honest. He’d offered to help me through this process, so I decided to accept the visit.

“I’ve only done this for baseball. What do I need to know about a football in-home visit?”

“I want the decision-makers to attend. That usually means your parents and any trusted advisers you have. I’d like them to get to know key members of my staff and me. From my perspective, it’s important that they know who they would be entrusting their son to for four years. And I want them to know everything the University of Kentucky can offer you,” he said.

“Is it okay if I invite my girlfriend and her family?” I asked.

“I’m comfortable with you inviting anyone who you decide needs to be there.”

“What about Wolf Tams and Tim Foresee?”

“I planned to call them next. I also want to talk to Ty Wilson while I’m in town.”

“Okay. Call Megan, and she’ll coordinate everything. I look forward to seeing you,” I said.

After I hung up, I called Brook, and her phone went to voicemail, so I called the house line.

“Hello,” a sleepy Ava answered.

“Hey, it’s David. I need to talk to Brook,” I said.

“What time is it?”

I looked at the clock.

“7:30.”

“And what day is it?”

“Sunday.”

“And you expect my daughter’s out of bed?” she asked with amusement.

“Maybe you could have her call me when she gets up,” I suggested.

“Oh, no. Let me go get her,” Ava said.

I heard her knock on Brook’s door, and Brook say something rude.

“Who died?” Brook asked when she answered.

“Hey, that was my line,” I teased.

I’d said it more than once while I was in LA and Brook forgot about the time difference.

“Bite me, Big Daddy. What’s up?” she asked, sounding more awake.

I explained the recruiting visit and wanted to know if she and her parents wanted to come.

“I’ve been curious about this whole process, so count me in. In addition, I’d suggest that you invite Cassidy, Tracy, and Pam.”

“Doesn’t Pam plan to go back to California for college?”

“She does, but she is your Baby Mama. Don’t you think she wants to at least hear what’s going on with you?” Brook asked, making way too much sense.