Chapter 39

They were ready for us and we were served promptly. Toward the end of the meal, Coach Marshall stood and it quieted. “Gentlemen, and ladies, we’ve had a great season thus far. I want us to continue to work together and be successful.” He smiled. “I’m going to recognize three guys who did really well today, Bob Stovall, Trevor Adams, and Tom Jackson. Stand up guys.” He led the applause as they stood. When it quieted down, they quickly resumed their seats.

He remained standing. “There is one other who I will recognize along with his special cheerleader. Jerry Short and Alice Meadows!” The applause was even louder now. Fortunately, Coach sat down then. As the meal broke up, many guys and couples came to us thanking us for our leadership and for bringing everyone together.

I walked Alice to her common room. We kissed and she left for her room while I went to my room. I went to my bed. Mitch had taken Grace to the farm. In the morning, we started another day with breakfast followed by Sunday school and church.

We enjoyed breakfast together and then I conveyed Alice to Sunday school and church. We were kidded a bit about being movie stars in Sunday school. Our pastor celebrated our most recent victory noting that many members of the football team attended the church. He said that he appreciated our attendance here and the witness that we showed the world.

After a peaceful night, we went through Monday’s classes and lunch. After my last class, I joined the rest of the team for our meeting. We met for film and to hear our coaches about any events and the upcoming team. This would be a home game and would be televised. The television station had also asked about doing a special on team members and their girl friends who had formed an informal cheering section. There was thought that people would be interested in the story.

Jack, one of the defensive backs, interjected, “Any chance to show a bunch of pretty girls on television will be popular.” There was some considerable chuckling.

Coach Marshall continued, “That’s probably true. Some of you will be targeted with your ladies. Try to get in some of who you really are into the story. There’s more to it than pretty faces.”

He went on to tell about the upcoming team, the Panthers. They were a team heavily dependent upon passing for offense. Our defensive backs would be tested. Their defense had been tested by runners and found lacking. We would plan our game for pass protection on defense and running on offense. He said ball control will help our defense.

He said, “After the film, I want to see Stovall, Short, and Adams. It’s not bad but we do need to talk a moment.”

We watched film that showed a strong passing team but their quarterback wasn’t good when he left the pocket. Coach Johnson stopped the film and noted that factor. I wished I were playing defense for this game. The right side of their line did pretty well when they thought it was a run. I noticed that their weak safety lined up closer on that side in those situations. Coach Edwards noticed that stopping the film and pointing that out. The film review was completed and we were released. Bob, Trevor, and I went up to Coach Marshall.

He said, “You three and your girls will be featured. I wanted you to be aware and warn your ladies.” He grinned. “Those folks from the station aren’t really aware that this is a church-going group and I hope you can sneak that into the interviews. They also aren’t aware that Short, you, and your girl are dean’s list students with merit scholarships. They do know that you are not a scholarship athlete. Expect to hear questions about that. Stick to the truth and you should be able to have some fun with the whole thing.”

We left and met our ladies for supper in the athletic dorm’s dining hall. Alice saw the three of us approaching together. When we were close, she said, “They are up to something. What gives guys?” Each one of them gave their guy a hug.

“Coach Marshall met with us after practice for a few moments. The TV station that shows our games is going to put on a feature about us and they will be focusing upon the three couples of us.”

Alice asked, “What should we do, Jerry?”

“We’ll just be ourselves. Coach hopes we’ll get a chance to push church while on the air, too.” I gulped. “Alice, they know I’m non-scholarship and that we’ve sort of led this. Fair Galadriel, we’ll just have to ride through it.”

Marilyn giggled. “After all, no good deed goes unpunished. You two have done many.” She grinned. “Of course, you two are bright, articulate, and very photogenic. It’s a natural for you as a couple.” She giggled. “I’ll watch it when it comes on. You should also tell your folks so they can record it.”

“Thanks a lot,” I said dryly.

It was at practice Thursday afternoon that they showed up. Coach Edwards released Bob and me from practice early. We were permitted to clean up and don regular clothing. We met our girls outside who were talking to the same lady sportscaster, Angela Jones, who had interviewed us before.

She saw us and said, “Here they are.”

I gave Alice a quick hug and said, “Hello, fair lady.”

She smiled at me. “Hi, Jerry. You know Angela, of course.”

“Yes, I do.”

Angela jumped in. “I was telling Alice that the station wanted to to a feature on you guys. The Bobcats have turned around in a major way from last year. The three of you have been leaders in that turnaround. There is also another phenomenon which is the informal cheerleading group that attends, not only your games, but even the practices. We would like to perform a series of interviews with each of you guys and your ladies. We will edit those interviews into a feature show. I’ve been told to plan fifteen minutes minimum for a news special but probably a full thirty minute special. I will let you view the interviews before it’s aired. We want to demonstrate what’s happening and delve into why.”

Bob looked shocked. Alice said, “That is a lot for you to combine into even a thirty minute show.”

Miss Jones said, “You are correct. It won’t be easy but there is a unique story to tell that will be popular with our viewers.”

Marilyn smirked. “Just interviewing Alice and Jerry will take a lot of time. Alice and Jerry brought many of us together. I know I appreciate their effort. I would never have met Bob otherwise.”

Miss Jones looked at me. “Jerry, do you have time for me to start this afternoon? I will want Alice to be with you. Some questions will be for her.”

I looked at Alice. She gave me a slight nod. I said, “Okay. Where do we do this?”