The Life of Levi Rupp Ch. 2

Chapter 2: The Tryouts

The weekend was a blur as Levi snoozed his alarm as he rolled the covers off his bare chest. Preparing for an early morning wake, he lethargically walked into the bathroom splashing cold water on his face to help him focus and prepare for the long day ahead. He had to pack extra clothes for the first day of tryouts, and he knew everyone at school would notice his extra duffel bag being toted around campus. With a few strokes to detangle his moppy curls, he wasn’t keen on appearances, but something told him, make this year different. So with a few globs of hair gel, he tousled his locks so they hung perfectly off the edge of his forehead. Now, time to rummage what clothes I have unpacked, he thought as he sauntered back into his room and opened his closet doors. Levi slipped into a relaxed, white long sleeve shirt and some dark blue jeans. With a quick tug of he pulled himself into his black sneakers. He quickly packed up his duffel bag with two sets of clothes, one for the tryout, and one for the post-shower. He placed his cleats into the bag, stained from dirt and old turf from when he once played. Levi couldn’t help but watch a flashback of when he, Malcolm and Silas used to play together, could they reconnect? Levi shook his head doubtfully, Silas had changed so much since they went to high school, it’s as if he hated us, but for what?

Swinging his book bag over his shoulder, and lifting his duffel bag, Levi walked the few blocks it took to get to the high school. He ran into Malcolm at the corner of the road, who was in his beaten up, black Honda Civic Del Sol that wished it was back in the mid 90’s of its prime. “Get in!” Malcolm hollered over his speakers blaring the latest pop song of the week. “Malcolm…” “I’m not taking no for an answer! Get in.” Malcolm said with a convincing smile. Tossing my bags into the trunk alongside his, I climbed into the passenger seat. Malcolm turned his radio down for a brief moment to greet me. “It’s a beautiful day for tryouts! And you need to rest your arm!” He laughed, as he turned the radio up and began driving the rest of the way to school. When he parked, I quickly jumped out, grabbed my bags and began walking on campus. “Woah! Slow down Levi!” I stopped briefly to let Malcolm catch up. “Listen, thanks for the ride this morning, I probably should have said that sooner.” Malcolm grinned and wrapped an arm over my shoulder “Anything for my number one!” “You’re number one?” I looked at him confused, as if he was speaking in a code. “You know, my quarterback?! Your jersey will have the number one on it. Might as well get used to it.” Malcolm exclaimed, patting my back and sending me on my way with a wave. It was going to be a long day on campus, and already others were eyeing my duffel bag and whispering into their huddles. I kept to myself, not because I was too good for anyone or that I didn’t have friends, it was just comforting to be on my own. Malcolm was a great friend and understood that I wanted to be on my own at times so he always gives me my space, but something tells me that might change.

Rounding the corner of the long building, I saw Ms. Grey at her door greeting the students into her classroom which was covered in literature and posters of historic writers. “Why good morning Levi! You’re carrying around a lot today.” “Morning Ms. Grey.” I politely responded, not wanting to talk about the tryouts too much. “Mr. Rupp.” She said in her teacher voice, “Yes?” I responded politely as she demanded my attention. “I look forward to seeing your progress this year.” She said letting a small grin slip, as if she was unraveling the unspoken truth of the duffle bag. “Thank you Ms. Grey.” I said as I took my seat in the back row of the class. “Silas! You’d better get in this room before that tardy bell rings!” Ms. Grey shouted from her door. “No worries Ms. Grey! Besides, it's senior year! I’m living on the edge!” Silas stated cooly as he sauntered into his room. His puppy-like followers from the team on his heels high-fiving Ms. Grey at the door and filling the walls with their boisterous noise. “Seats! Now.” Ms. Grey declared as her door slammed shut, and Silas and his gang reluctantly took their seats. “Today is the beginning of a new year, which means a new project!” The class sighed heavily as the project rubric began being passed back. Silas, took his seat in front of mine, and snickered as he passed me the last rubric for our row. “Now, I know a low-life like you isn’t thinking about trying out.” Glancing at my duffle bag between my feet. I instinctively tensed up, I hated when Silas resorted to name calling, and I especially hated being singled out in a class. The whole room fell silent, eyes glued on me as if anticipating silence. “Silas…” “Ohhh! Look, he speaks.” I had spent the past few years reserved, not really speaking up or socializing. My eyes shot up from the wooden desk, “I’ll see you on the field.” I forced in a low angered voice between my teeth. I had to try to keep some sort of composure, any lashed out violence could jeopardize my new home, and send me straight back to that god-forsaken foster parent who enjoyed painful punishments or just violent outbursts. Levi was his punching bag all too often, and he had dreamed of the day to relinquish his anger on him, knowing he’d never resort to violence. There’s no sense in hitting him back, it’d make me the same as him. “That’s enough Silas!” Ms. Grey shouted, her hands on her desk and peering into the back of his head. “Don’t worry Ms. Grey, we’re just having some friendly competition. Aren’t we Levi?” He glanced between Ms. Grey and I as he and his puppies snickered. Luckily he left me alone for the remainder of the class, that was until the bell rung signaling the end of class. “Mr. Rupp, see me before you leave.” Ms. Grey stated plainly not looking away from her computer screen as the mass of students poured out of her room, Silas had shoved my shoulder as he passed, glaring at me as he left the room. It was as if he was warning me, but I wasn’t scared of him or his puppies. “Mr. Rupp, I know this is a new year for you…” “Ms. Grey…” I tried to interrupt, but was quickly silenced by her stern look. “Mr. Rupp, I do hope that you’re aware of your academic performance. You’re ahead of all your peers, and you’re slated for an early graduation.” Her smile returned. Ms. Grey knew of my situation, she was a safe person on campus for me, and actually helped me get out on my own over the summer. She knew what my foster parent was doing, and saw how I was resilient to say the least. “Mr. Rupp, I just want you to promise me that you’ll stay the course. You can try out for the team, and hell I am rooting for you Levi! This team needs a new leader. However, I worry that you’re trying to balance too much.” My eyes shifted away, knowing all too well she was referring to my work schedule and how demanding the football team was, on top of that maintaining my academic performance. “Ms. Grey, I am going to talk to the coach this afternoon before try outs, I promise, I won’t lose myself in this process.” I reassured her with a smile, she was the closest thing to a parent I’ve known, and I didn’t want to let her down.

The remainder of the day was relatively quiet, the other students still peering at me and my duffle bag. “Levi!” Malcolm’s booming voice broke over the muffled chatter of students at the end of the day, “C’mon, we meet at the weight room!” Malcolm walked beside me until we reached the musty smell of the weight room with metal and rubber tingling the nose upon entrance. “Malcolm, who’s this?” Coach Peters asked, delighted to see a new face. “This coach, is Levi, your new number one quarterback ready to lead us to an undefeated season!” Malcolm declared as if showing me off to the coach and the teammates already lifting in the weight room, who quickly stopped or slammed down their weights as if they were in shock of what Malcolm just said. “Is that so?” Coach Peters looked me over, as if taking in my lean and muscular build. “We’ll have to see about that.” He tapped his clipboard and began to walk away. “Coach Peters.” I spoke up, “May I have a word before we start?” I asked as if eager to get to the agreement of schedules. Malcolm suddenly remembered the agreement he’d made. “Yeah, coach, if you don’t mind, we need to slide something past you.” Glancing over his shoulder and speaking a hushed tone, signaling the need for a private conversation. “My office.” Coach Peters lifted his arm pointing to the nearby room with an oversized window. When the door shut behind the three of them, I decided to lead the conversation, it was my situation after all, might as well show some initiative. “Coach, Malcolm convinced me to try out to build my resume for college. I am not sure if you’re aware of my situation…” Coach Peters lifted his palm with an all-knowing look, “Levi, I and well all of the campus are aware of your situation. You’re a working man.” He started meeting my concerned eyes, “I like that.” He followed up with an approving nod. “Listen, I can’t guarantee you’ll make the team, but if you do…I promise you’ll have my cooperation. So long as you give me one-hundred percent. No distractions, no funny-business!” Coach Peters was stern, but fair in his words. “Coach, I promise.” I said as if desperate to get going. “Malcolm, show Levi where to get changed.” Malcolm and I quickened our pace to the nearby locker room as tryouts were beginning soon. “Look Levi…” Malcolm started as he ripped his shirt off and slipped into a comfortable white tee. “No one has a guarantee to make the team, all of us try out every year.” He said between swapping clothes. “Great.” I quickly hopped into my gym shorts and white hooded tank top, slipping into my old faithful cleats. “Let’s get started then.” I said, stepping past Malcolm who was taken aback by my eagerness to get going. Practically running to the warm-up field, I began doing my own stretches and dynamic warm-ups using the fence for balance at the bottom of the stadium.

A piercing whistle ripped, signaling the start of tryouts. “Gather ‘round everyone!” Coach Peters and a few other adults with whistles and bucket hats appeared beside him. “We have three days to get a full roster. Which means three days to show me you’re worth wearing a jersey and representing this team. But most importantly, representing yourself. This year, we have the toughest schedule in the county. An undefeated season will be sure to bring the top scouts of the greatest universities and colleges across the country!” Coach Peters was a passionate football coach, undefeated except for the past few years, those same seasons were in common with Silas as the quarterback. There were rumors that Silas had sabotaged and bullied his competitors for the quarterback spot, but I never thought he was capable of such hatred and jealousy, and rumors are unfactual, biased at best. “Today’s focus is heart.” Coach tapped his chest to emphasize his point. “This is going to be what separates the weak from the worthy.” He blew his whistle as if a warning, “Weight room!” He declared and we all began running towards the building as fast as possible. When I reached the doors, I was waiting for everyone to catch up, I was first! Surprised, I held the door for everyone to enter, as everyone appeared to be gasping for air from sprinting the few hundred yards we just ran. “Right where you belong.” Silas snickered, as he was the last to enter. I didn’t respond, there was no reason to, and yet I questioned why he was so upset. “We have ourselves a fast one!” One of the other returning seniors from the team laughed, shaking my hand as if in approval. “With those feet, no one will catch you.” I believed his name was Tanner, but unsure I just shook his hand back and nodded to say thank you. “Now, we are going to have ourselves a little combine to figure out who falls where in the ranks.” One of the coaches with the bucket hats said, his whistle dangling around his neck. “I am Coach Owens! My goal is to get you physically prepared for the field. I specialize in strength and conditioning. I was a D-1 Athlete at Oklahoma University. I would;ve made it to the draft if I hadn’t gotten injured! So, I take this seriously. Who’s ready?” With a roar of excitement, we all lined up at the bench press. Malcolm was in front of me. “You may be fast Levi, but I bet I can still out bench ya!” He joked as he flexed his arms and showcasing his physique. “Malcolm, we all know I benched three-hundred last season, stop trying to flex in front of the new blood yeah!” The same guy from earlier appeared next to us in line. “Name’s Tanner.” Relieved I was right about his name, I was taken aback at his massive muscles, his biceps bigger than Malcolm’s head! He had to be over six foot five, and he was the walking humanoid version of a tank if I ever saw one. “Levi.” I shook his hand. “Malcolm here proclaims you to be our next quarterback.” Glaring at Malcolm who shrugged proud of his statement. “Listen, if I were you, keep your head low and grind. Coach will see who has the heart for the spot. Rooting for a fresh start new blood.” Tanner stated as his massive hand tapped my shoulder causing me to stagger. “We are looking for reps not weight!” Coach Owens proclaimed over the roaring clamour of teenage boys huffing and puffing and barking like dogs as we each one of us repped. Malcolm, let the bar drop as his arms fatigued from finishing his twentieth rep. “Next!” Coach Owens hollered as I stepped up to the bench press, flattening my back and separating my arms. “Woah, you gunna be able to do this?” Coach Owens asked in a voice just above a whisper. “Let’s go.” I gritted back, anger ensuing as I wrapped my fingers around the cold steel bar. Lifting the entire two-hundred and fifty pounds split evenly on either side, I began repping angrily. I pushed the bar upwards exhaling my frustration with each rep and consuming the doubt of others, the judgement of others as the bar came inches from the rise of my chest. Barks started howling in the weight room, as I just kept pushing the bar up and down until I reached thirty total reps, grunting with frustration as the bar slammed against the support posts. “Woof! Woof! Woof!” The deep barking and slaps of congratulations from the other guys on my back greeted me as sweat dripped from my curls and chin. Their hands slipped as some pulled me into a shoulder hug. “That’s my guy!” Malcolm wrestled me into a bear hug and congratulated me as Silas was up next. No one really paid attention to him as he appeared to struggle. “Alright! Alright! Everyone back on track!” Coach Owens shouted and pointed to the doors, we all ran out, I was still first to get to the brown and white track, encircling the field. “Time for the dash!” Malcolm breathed as we all lined up. “First up! Levi!” Coach Peters shouted overlooking the top of his clipboard. Coach Owens holding a stopwatch at the end of the forty yard sprint line. I positioned myself in a sprinter stance, leaning into my front hand on the ground, steadying my breath to explode upwards and forward. As if locking my hamstrings like a spring. Upon the whistle, I bolted out and forced my weight to be light, and focused on the in and out of each breath. Whizzing past Coach Owens, who was in utter shock. “What’s my time coach?” The competitive spirit is beginning to step into my spotlight. “4.3 second…” He said, looking at me in disbelief. “He wrote the time on his clipboard, and I began to cool down to slow my heartbeat for the next workout. Once everyone finished, they all asked the coach for their times, and they began comparing them to one another. I didn’t want anyone to take notice and make a big deal about mine, so I didn’t ask or tell. I also didn’t want to upset Silas more than I already have, although unjustified by his hatred, I still didn’t want to boast. The rest of the practice was a combination of other physical tests to determine agility, vertical jump, explosiveness, and overall skill. “Alright, everyone.” Coach Peters and Owens, and the other coach stood as we all huddled around them on a knee. “Great work tonight, and hydrate! Tomorrow is the beginning of tryouts. If you think you can handle it.” The coaches left us, sweaty and breathless on the field. I rose to my feet like the others and began making my way to the locker room to shower and change. I had to be at work tonight for a three hour shift.

Slipping into my work boots and construction uniform, I began to zip up my duffle bag and swing my bookbag over my shoulder until I was slammed unexpectedly against the cold lockers mounted on the wall behind me. “Silas?” “Why?!” “Why what?” “Don’t act dumb! Why are you here?!” He demanded as he snarled with pure anger in my ear. “The same reason you are.” Meeting his intense gaze and speaking as calmly through the anger I felt. I wanted so much to fling his puny little arms off my sharp shoulders. “You’re going to regret this Levi, just you wait.” Finally releasing me from his grasp with a final shove. “Gathering myself, I did my box breathing routine, a tool I learned from my social worker as I began walking out of the locker room. Surprised to see Malcolm leaned against his car. “Levi, get in.” “Thanks Malcolm, but I have to go to work.” “I know. Get in.” Malcolm said with a seriousness to his tone. Grateful and confused why he suddenly wanted to chauffeur me around, “You know where I work?” “Levi, I’m your best friend…you work in the city as a construction worker.” Surprised that he had actually paid attention to me these past few years, I nodded. “Well, thank you.” “Look, I want you to succeed Levi, if that means giving you a ride to and from school or to and from work…I’m here for you. We’re friends, that’s what we do.” Taken aback by his pure soul and generosity, I sat in silence as we made our way into the city. “I’ll be back to pick you up Levi, I’ll be in the area.” “You really don’t have to Mal…” “Levi. Please.” Malcolm said with a commanding tone. “See you in a few hours then.” That night at work was grueling, but with short hours it’s as if it was over in a blink. Slumping into the passenger seat of Malcolm’s car I closed my eyes for the short ride home, trying to maximize my time.

The next few days at school, word was buzzing about how Levi was showboating at the try outs, gathering the attention of everyone, teachers and students alike. Teachers Levi never had greeted him as they passed, and students Levi never thought would give him the time of day suddenly smiled at him and waved. Waving back a little confused but amused, he made his way to Ms. Grey. “Levi! Word on the street is that you are giving everyone a run for their money!” Laughing I nodded modestly, “I’m sure you’ll be on the team Levi, and I spoke to Ms. Williams, Foxbury has a football team too…” She added with a sly grin and side eye that caught my attention. I didn’t realize Foxbury had sports, I never even considered it, perhaps Malcolm even knew that. It was the final day of tryouts, and Silas was already seated in his seat, still in front of mine. “Levi…the new campus buzz!” Silas stated with pure jealousy in his voice, his arms crossed in front of his thin chest. “Silas…” “Save it for the press Levi. You’re real slick! Using your sad, sappy story of how pitiful your life is to be the school’s success story!” Silas seethed angrily, his chest puffing in and out. Unsure of what to say, I kept quiet, taking my seat behind him. “Levi!” The crowd that typically followed Silas around greeted me with high fives and back slaps as they all sat encircling Silas and I. Silas was clearly uncomfortable by his friends taking a liking to me from the past two try out days, as he fidgeted on his phone throughout class. “Levi! It’s the final day, and tomorrow the whole school will see you as QB!” Leaning into my massive bear of a friend, I laughed at his confidence and as we walked to the locker rooms in the weight room I asked if Malcolm noticed Silas’ mood today. “Silas? Who cares? He’s been a real jerk since high school, and you’re finally putting him in his place.” Malcolm stated calmly as we dressed out for the final try out. “I suppose, but I just can’t help but believe he’s mad that I am taking something from him…” I said in a furrowed thought. As we walked out onto the field meeting the rest of the boys we took a knee as the coaches began. “Alright, today we focus on individual strengths, you can pick the position, but we make the decision.” Malcolm leaned over and whispered, “I’d better see you take the QB slot…” As both of us kept our eyes on the coach. “And Break!” Coach Peters shouted, and everyone took their lanes for their sought after position, I taking the position of QB, simply because it was my favorite spot. It was a position I resonated with, the decision making, the ability to change the play with an audible, it was like a fluid thought of who I was. The coaches seemed a little surprised that only I was in line for the quarterback line, “Where’s Silas?” One of the boys in a different line asked, “Who knows? I didn’t see him in the weight room, “Who’s going to compete against him?” Another asked pointing in my direction, I couldn’t help but overhear them and I was trying not to make it noticeable. “Silas! Hurry up!” Coach Peters shouted angrily as Silas began walking behind me in line. “Sorry coach, had a tutoring session.” He boldly claimed, which appeared to silence the coach for now at least. A tutoring session? Silas was one of the smartest kids in school and although hard to believe with his ego-tistic personality, was extremely intelligent. “Levi, we’re going to look at your form. From the snap to the drop of the ball, well hopefully not a drop.” He said as he looked to a young freshman trying to fight for a spot on the team as a wide receiver. “Alright Coach.” Setting up as if awaiting a snapped ball from a lineman, I took my formulated three step drop in the backfield, eyeing the young receiver who was clearly fast as he was already nearing the midfield line. I mustered up strength and released the ball as my thumb guided the point of the football in the direction of the young receiver, hopeful to catch him in stride of his “go route.” Which was a common route used in hope of a massive gain and possible touchdown. As the football spiraled In the air, it landed just as Levi had hoped in perfect stride with the young boy who enthusiastically caught the ball and carried it to the end zone at the far end of the field. With amazement in the eyes of those who wanted to be wide receivers they scrambled to be next in line as Levi dropped perfectly timed and placed passes to each of them. With some much needed rest of his arm, Levi stepped back as Silas stepped up and repeatedly passed short, accurate throws with no particular finesse. They were solid passes, but nothing that would make him stand out from anyone else on the team.

Since Silas and Levi were the only two trying out for quarterback, they had time to rest while everyone else finished their position tryouts. “Silas…” “Don’t start Levi…” Silas sighed, refusing to meet Levi’s eyes. “Look, I’m not sure why you’re upset with me but we need to learn to work together.” “Upset?” Silas scoffed, “That’s an understatement.” “Can you help me understand?” Levi asked as if intrigued by Silas’ anger. “You don’t get to waltz in here and take everything I have done to get here!” Silas breathed between huffs of anguish, and then shoving past me, storming off towards the locker rooms. A few guys heard the exchange and quickly looked away when I looked in their direction. Thankfully, tryouts ended with Coach’s whistle blast as if on cue. “Roster will be posted tomorrow morning on the gym door.” Coach Peters said walking away. I wondered if he saw the exchange between Silas and I?

When I reached the locker room, most of the guys had already showered and left. I thought I was the only person left as I stepped out of the shower. A limply tied towel hanging low on my waist as water dripped from the tips of my curly mess of hair. “Well, well, well…if it isn’t Levi the wanna-be.” Silas mocked as he encircled me, his phone in his hand. “Silas…” “Why so shy Levi?” Silas continued on, quickly pulling the towel from my waist and exposing me. I rushed to pick up the towel when I realized he had been live streaming. “Oops!” Silas laughed as he picked up my duffle bag and ran out of the locker room, leaving me with only the towel. I heard the doors slam shut and then startled when I heard a commotion outside of the locker room door. Afraid of being seen with a mere towel, I held back hoping maybe Silas didn’t take everything I had. “Levi?” Was that Malcolm? “Levi!” Malcolm exclaimed in disbelief when he took in the fact that I was in a towel with nothing left to change into. “I’m going to kill him!” “Malcolm!” No! Just find me some clothes, it’s not worth it. He’s not worth it…” “Levi…” Malcolm said in a low tone clenching his fists, “Please Malcolm, don’t…I just want to go home…” Malcolm nodded, knowing I was right and that Silas would eventually get what was coming to him. “Here…” Malcolm unlocked his locker and threw some clothes in my direction. “I always keep a spare set.” Malcolm stated, “Let’s get you home.” In agreement, I practically jumped into the oversized shirt and shorts and within a few minutes, I was home. Grateful that Levi didn’t work the remainder of the week, he laid down trying to comprehend Silas’ motives and why he hated Levi so much. “Ping!” Levi’s phone lit up with a notification from an unknown number. “Levi, this is Coach Peters. See me in my office tomorrow morning.” Great, Levi thought. As if it couldn’t get any worse. Levi spent the night tossing and turning unable to rest as the events of yesterday stained his eyes with fatigue. Levi left the house much earlier than he normally does, slumped in thought as he shuffled his feet along the sidewalk as he made his way to school.

Levi pushed through the entrance of the weight room where Coach Peters office was located, his door ajar Levi knocked with a low chin sure he was kicked off the team before he even got on it. “Did you see the roster Levi?” Coach Peters asked half expecting me to say yes, “Uh!” Coach Peters' head shot up in disbelief, “You didn’t look?!” “To be honest Coach, I wasn’t expecting to make it anyway, you didn’t have to call me here and…” “You’re the new quarterback Levi.” Stunned, Levi felt his head lift up, eyes wide, “I’m the new quarterback?” I whispered aloud to myself. “And as for Silas, well…he took himself off the team with his little stunt yesterday on social media.” Realizing Coach Peters was aware of the situation caused Levi to flush with embarrassment…”Levi, you’re safe here. I am not going to tolerate hazing or bullying on this team.” He said in a reassuringly stern voice, “Thanks coach…” “I need your schedule Levi.” “My schedule?” Still in shock that I made the team, and then even more so that I was the new quarterback, “Your work schedule. You mentioned it on day one of tryouts.” “Oh yes! Here.” Levi showed the picture of his work schedule to Coach Peters who wrote it down in his notepad. “Perfect, we start practice next week. Just bring me your new schedule whenever they give it to you, and I’ll be sure to work around it.” Thankful I quickly dashed out of the gym and eager to find Malcolm, who jumped backwards in a jolt as I scared him with the gym door. “Levi! You scared me!” He belly laughed holding his knees. “You were right Malcolm! I’m on the team!” “You’re more than on the team Levi, you’re the quarterback!” Malcolm greeted me into a brotherly hug with a few back slaps of congratulations to boost. With everything that has happened, Levi was sure that this year would solidify his scholarship potential into Foxbury. Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder what Silas’ issue was with him, and if he’d continue causing issues, but for now, Levi accepted the joy he had suppressed in the past and felt a new wave of confidence swell within.