I go back to counting up-downs, praying that I don’t in fact throw up and make an absolute fool of myself.
It’s a relief when the drills come to a stop and I can spend some time fully upright, running and catching the ball from Marcus. We really are working well together, getting better at reading each other’s body language, predicting the same gaps in defense. I can’t wait to start an actual game and see how it plays out for real.
“Alright, gather round everyone,” Ted calls, and we each make our way to huddle around him. “Good work today, you’ve got Monday off, so rest or cross-train if you want. I’ll be meeting with the other coaches and have a plan of action ready for Tuesday.”
We all agree in some form but stay close in case there’s anything else.
“Now, as you all know, each year it’s the rookie’s job to bring in the snacks. So far, that’s been Tyler’s job, but now he’s off the hook, we’ve got a new rookie!”
A couple of the guys jostle me and slap me on the shoulder.
“It’s a very important job, Choi,” Ted says. “If the players don’t get their snacks, they get grumpy, and grumpy players make grumpy coaches, and grumpy coaches… well, you won’t like us when we’re grumpy.”
“No pressure,” I laugh.
“Go and ask Tyler for the list; buying everything is your number one priority for Tuesday, you understand?”
“Got it,” I nod, “I guess that’s my day off sorted.”
“Damn straight,” Jordan chuckles, “we need our snacks.”
“I’ve got you, don’t worry.”
“Alright, off you go boys. Good work today,” Ted says, waving us off.
I follow everyone into the locker room, and it’s only then that I realize why the practice went so much smoother today, pizza hangover not included… Joel wasn’t there.
I nudge Jordan. “Hey, where’s Joel?”
“No idea, MIA I think, why, you miss him?”
“No, I was just expecting it to be awkward, you know, with me getting picked.”
“Oh, it will be I’m sure, prepare yourself for Tuesday. But we’ve all got your back, you were the best choice. If he doesn’t get that, it’s on him.”
“Yeah,” I mutter, but that’s easier said than done, and knowing Joel’s temperament, Tuesday is potentially going to suck.
“Anyway, forget about Joel, you’ve got more important things to think about, like finding Tyler for the snack list.”
“Alright, alright,” I chuckle.
After my shower, I check Marcus will be here a while, before going in search of Tyler. He started for the Warriors as a running back this year and he’s already making waves with his stats. The guy is fast, and when it comes to dodging the opposing team’s defense, it’s like he’s covered in magnets the way they’re repelled from him.
I see him turn a corner in the distance and run to catch up. “Tyler!”
He turns and laughs when he sees me. “Stephen Choi, I figured you’d be seeking me out at some point today.”
“You know what this is about then?”
“Hell yeah, I’m free! Snack duty is yours,” he grins.
“I’ve already been given the speech about how important it is,” I chuckle, “no snacks means grumpy players, grumpy players means grumpy coaches, blah blah blah…”
“Oh no,” he says, turning serious. “There’s no blah blah blah about it. I made a mistake with the snacks once; I still haven’t heard the end of it.”
“Shit, really?” I ask, suddenly wishing I wasn’t a rookie.
“Yes really! And it’s not just snacks. Come on, follow me.” He opens the nearest door and ushers me in.
