The end of my last football season, then later graduation. But I also knew I’d have Coach’s companionship to remember as I went off to better things than Carthage High.

But I think he was just operating from his ulterior motives. “You going on that senior trip, Bentley?” he asked one day during third period, using my last name as he often did. “I guess I’m not a joiner.” I had some good friends at school but wasn’t into clubs or organized anything, beyond football. But the real reason is that my family didn’t have the money to send me off to New York City with my classmates over winter break.Ĭoach nodded. “Well, it’s not New York, but I have some time planned in Florida the week after Christmas.

Maybe I could convince your folks to let you join me….