BLEACHERS
This novel opens with the arrival of Neely Crenshaw, High School All American football player, fifteen years
after his peak days, for the impending death of his former Coach, Eddie Rake, in Messina. He was the greatest quarter back for 3 seasons, produced by Messina. His friend Paul Curry and some other players also come, and exchange greetings, information and notes and recollect the old glorious days. Rake was hired at the age of 28 years, as Head Coach of legendary Spartan football team of Messina School Board. He made Spartan an unbeatable team. During 34 years as Coach of Spartans, his record was 418 wins, 62 losses, 13 State titles (1964-70) and undefeated track up to 1984. The field was named after him. It had a monument with brick base and a bronze bust of Rake, with his details on a plaque. Rake used to coach in shorts and give finer points. He was a dictator, and liked to abuse and hit the players during practice sessions. Annual Spartan marathon, having a minimum of 12 laps, was Rake’s torture run, held at noon, in the maximum heat in August. All hopefuls took part in it, and they had to run till they drop. Repeat chance was given the next day. Those unsuccessful could not get a chance in football team. This was one of his harsh
conditioning methods. Rake was happy when players refused to leave the field, even after injuries. Rake had told Neely when he was 11 years old, that he will be a good quarter back. In 1976 Rake’s team lost 4 games. He put the team under tough conditioning programme. In 1977 the team almost won the title. The 1992 season caused great concern, due to lack of talent in the team. Rake scolded the team, called a harsh Sunday morning practice, with 89 degrees F temperature and high humidity. One player Scotty Reardon collapsed during the third round, and never regained consciousness. No ambulance was available nearby, and he was dead before reaching the hospital. Scotty had no health problems earlier. He died of heat stroke. Rake had no answer. All were shocked and Rake was fired from his job. His funeral was attended by many, including Rake. Rake felt unhappy for Scotty’s death, prayed a lot and read books. Rake tried to get the job back, but failed. Several others were offered the job of coach but they all declined, but Griffin Brothers agreed for a stand-by arrangement. The new team won first 8 games and then lost the next. Griffin quit the job. Then Oklahoma was hired as a coach. Neely narrates the altercation between him and Rake, fifteen years ago. In one match, the team was in losing condition at half time. Rake came in the dressing room and punched Neely in the nose. Neely gave him a hook back, which made Rake lie on the floor. They waited for one hour in the room and kept the matter closed. Many people hated Rake for such actions. Rake lived his life fearlessly. According to him no risks meant no gains. He did not want to be a loser. He used to get information and gossip from various sources. Though his practices were brutal, but he made his players and fans great. The school entrance was like a hall of fame with team photos, scores, headlines, signed footballs, retired jerseys and pictures, as attribute to the good coach and players.
After Rake’s death at the age of 72 years, the casket containing his body was brought in a procession to the field along with his family, friends and players and followed by prayer and offering of flowers. The players sat in the
bleachers stadium to signal Rake’s passing away, the old glories, their loving and hating him. There were many as mourners, for signing a register and giving a farewell. The town of Messina mourned like never before. Schools, factories, courthouses etc. were closed. Burial was in a private ceremony. Father McCabe conducted the memorial service proceedings. Rake’s youngest daughter expressed thanks, and then she read her father’s written note, wherein he expressed his love for the family, school, players, and the game of football. He also expressed two regrets. Firstly for the death of Scotty Reardon and begged for apology, and secondly for physically assaulting a quarterback player and said sorry. People’s eyes were moist and heads were low. Three of Rake’s players also gave eulogies. Reverend Collis Suggs (first black Captain in 1970) said that Rake treated all equally, with full integration of the team. Neely Crenshaw said that Rake’s spirit lives in all of us. Father McCabe then finished the benediction. Neely went to the grave of Rake, bowed low with tears and prayer and bade him good-bye.
This novel written in an interesting style is about the game of football, players, legends, heroes and coaches, but it is more or less around the life of Rake, the Head Coach. It indicates that we need hard work and determination for success and glory, but violence and excess of anything is not desirable. It is considered useful for all players, Captains, Coaches of sports teams, management of the schools and the general public.