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he was writing bumper stickers, but they were sayings that did inspire me. He was one smart guy.
    I walked over to where Caleb was working. He was skipping—one of the best ways to improve foot speed and strength. For the receivers, bulking up was the opposite of what they wanted to do. They had to build speed and agility and vertical leap, not raw strength.
    Caleb was whipping the rope around, doing double skips and crossovers, the sound of the rope whistling as he worked. The rope sped up, faster and faster, and then he did a triple pass and stopped.
    â€œNeed…a…drink,” Caleb panted, sweat pouring down his face.
    That sounded like a good idea. We walked over to the big fridge in the corner. It was filled with power drinks and protein shakes.
    â€œWhat do you want?” I asked as I opened the door.
    â€œShake. Love those shakes.”
    I grabbed two and handed one to him. Caleb flipped off the plastic top and took a big sip.
    â€œI’ve been bugging Tony to tell me what’s in these so I can make my own at home,” Caleb said.
    Tony made up the protein shakes, and he wouldn’t tell anybody what was in them. Some of the ingredients were obvious: ice cream, milk, protein powder and vitamins. But exactly what and the amounts were like a state secret.
    â€œI just know that whatever it is, they work,” I said as I slurped down my shake as well.
    Tony was at the far side of the room, working with one of the guys. He was always working with somebody or working out himself.
    â€œTony’s a good guy,” Caleb said. “Shame he doesn’t have a life.”
    â€œI was thinking the same thing. He’s here all the time.”
    â€œDoesn’t he have a wife or girlfriend or something?” Caleb asked.
    â€œI think this is his life.”
    â€œThen again, with those skin problems maybe getting a girlfriend isn’t that easy,” Caleb said.
    It wasn’t just his face, but his arms and back were covered with acne—big, ugly-looking zits.
    â€œYeah, it’s —”
    The phone in Tony’s office started ringing. I yelled out for him, but between the music and the distance he couldn’t hear me.
    â€œI’ll get the phone and you get Tony,” I said to Caleb.
    The office door was open. I grabbed the ringing phone.
    â€œHello,” I said as I picked it up.
    â€œGood morning. This isn’t Tony. Who is this?”
    â€œNo, sir, Coach Barnes,” I said. I’d recognized his voice. “This is Michael.”
    â€œSo, Moose, are you adding secretary to your role as team captain?” he asked.
    â€œIf that’s what it takes to win, I will.”
    He laughed. “That’s the attitude, and as we both know, attitude leads to altitude. The better the attitude, the higher you’ll fly.”
    â€œYes, sir. Do you want me to get Tony?”
    â€œIf you could just tell him that I’ll be a little late today. I have a meeting down atthe Rotary Club at noon. I’m going to try to convince them to put up funds to replace our tackling sled.”
    â€œThat would be great!” The old one was pretty beaten up.
    â€œOnly the best for the best,” he said. “Tell him I’ll be in around 1:00. Are you going to be there still?”
    â€œIf you want me to, I will.”
    â€œI want you to. See you then. And Moose, I’m real proud of the way you’re leading by example. A coach couldn’t ask for a better captain.”
    â€œThank you, sir. See you at one o’clock.”

Chapter Nine
    Coach closed the door, and the sound of the music playing in the weight room was muffled. He settled into the chair behind Tony’s desk. I took a seat across from him.
    â€œYou’re working really hard,” Coach Barnes said.
    â€œThanks. I’m trying my best.”
    â€œActually, everybody out there is trying his best,” he said, pointing out through theclosed door.