I woke to a cold but dry game day and it was one of those days where I would have liked to just stay in bed all covered up and let the day simply pass. Then I remembered that we could add another first to our legacy as we could for the second year in a row finish the regular season undefeated. All of a sudden it was all about piling up wins and making statements. It was a quick shower and black Jeans, a nice shirt and a hoodie. Then I packed warm clothes for under my uniform, added some for JJ and drove to school.
There was no sign of JJ and I was talking with Heather and we were both laughing about how mad her dad was at me. She said he was in as foul of a mood as she had ever seen. Mike, he never loses in business deals and he said a fucking high school kid made him look bad. Just then JJ fled up and said MJ, how in the fuck do you play in this weather, it's freezing. I laughed and said well it isn't freezing yet but will be by game time. Dude, I have you covered, literally and I laughed and went into the fucked up English class. I was actually considering the advanced English option. In class the same dude was the substitute and I simply sat down and started reading, with all this time I was comfortable with what I need to do on Monday and started to read for fun. That was something I needed to do more of. I found a couple of poems that I thought I might enjoy and simply started to read. About half way through the class the teacher said Mike can we have a chat outside? I shrugged and said sure. We went into the hall and he stood so he could se the class and said, so what's up with you? I just looked and he said, I was told you could be a pain in the ass. I checked you out and you are #1 academically and athletically and from what I her you run the building. I laughed and said, well the first two are correct. I tend to fly under the radar but our class is very tight and we take care of each other and we work hard and expect others to work hard as well. That other teacher wanted so bad to catch me unprepared that she ignored others. They resented that they were ignored and that I was picked on, they reacted. I assume you know about the work by Alexandre Dumas, the Three Musketeer's? He smiled and said sure. Well our class and sports teams have adopted the saying one for all and all for one. That's what happened the other day. So can I go back to my reading now? He actually smiled and said yup.
The day moved along and I even stayed for lunch and it was a blast and something I would do everyday once football was over. The place was wild about football and I heard that there were 3 student busses and that didn't count the people who would drive. The playoff atmosphere started a week early. I saw Cole and he was taking the afternoon off and him and Liam were making the 3-1/2 hour drive to York and he was going to practice and putt. His tee time was 11:04. I thought that was perfect as I would have Charlie on his way home by 6:00. At the car I took off the hoodie and put on a jacket so that I was more presentable for work. I didn't have a lot of time to be at work as there was the pep rally. At work there wasn't really much on my agenda. I spent some much needed time on the financials as I needed money for the closing and I called J&J architects and talked with Jodie asking for a meeting to discuss a new project. We set a meeting up for Tuesday. With that I went for a walk on what would soon me my new property. I laughed at the weeds and the mud but when I turned around to go back and saw my building, I thought this would be hard to beat. I needed a new theme something different a different Phoenix rising out of these ashes.
I went back to my office and grabbed my laptop and was ready to leave when my phone buzzed, it was David. He said that Charlie and him were in town and he needed the location and time of the game? I told him 7:30 at Mt. Lebanon high school. Then I asked him to check at will call as I had tickets and field passes for him and Charlie. He said thanks and I said, I hope you have warm clothes and hung up. I drove to school and was right on time for the pep rally. The place was rocking and coach told me I needed to talk and I asked that he let Josh talk as he would need the practice. The pep band played the cheerleaders cheered and Josh, thanked them for the support and when he was done everyone started to chant Mike, Mike, Mike. I stood up and motioned for quiet and said, Josh was right as we couldn't have done this without you. Many of us have been together since kindergarten we have asked a lot and given a lot. We have done thing that no other group as done so let's finish the job and I put the microphone aside and yelled as loud as I could ONE FOR ALL and the response ALL FOR ONE could have blown the roof off the gym. In the cafeteria the food was burger and fries and I grabbed a burger, thanks the booster people and went and sat in the stadium as always. I was a bit surprised to see JJ but he had a heavy leather cowboy jacket and he sat down. As usual we didn't talk, just sat there. When it was time JJ said ok MJ, let's get this done.
In the locker room I tossed JJ the latest thermal shirt and pants and he looked at me and asked, how the heck will this crap meet me warm? I laughed and said well if you don't want it, I'll give it to someone else. It was the usual, as we dressed in everything but shoulder pads and helmet and loaded our shit on the buss and I went to the very back of the buss, put my Walkman on and just sat there. JJ joined me and took one of the ear buds out and put it in his ear and immediately started bitching about the music choice. I knew his birthday was coming so he was getting his own Walkman. At the stadium, we unloaded the buss and on the way to the locker room we passed will call, I checked on the tickets for David and Charlie and it was all good. I dumped my stuff at a locker and went and sat on the bench, I wasn't changing a thing. Soon enough i was joined by JJ and this time it was Josh as well. There wasn't a word said and we were left alone. Once guys started out for warmups we went inside. Josh said Mike, I hope you didn't mind that I joined you and JJ? I smiled and said well now that that happened you need to do that every game. He said Mike, I figured that was the case. I looked at him smiled and said dude, feel free to call me MJ. There was a giant smile and a hug and we got dressed and jointed the others for warmups.
It was back inside as the home school band did their thing and coach talked a bit about the season and how much it would mean to be undefeated going into the pairing meeting. It was a quiet and almost stoic locker room. I heard the anthem start and yelled, ok let's do this and we lined up at the entrance to the field. This time I was last as I wanted to see this and hear the reaction from our fans. I was joined in the back by every senior and wondered about that. Then I realized it was different as I want to savor the moment and they were sending a message. THIS IS STILL OUR TEAM.
At the coin toss it was the captains and the officials started with the sportsmanship message which I had now heard 24 times and I barely listened. Then he said visitor's, head
or tails and Josh a bit too loudly yelled heads and I glared at him and the Referee looked at me and asked is that right? I smiled and said well what was done is done and I stared holes through Josh and heard the Ref say it's heads and I immediately said sir, we would like to defer. On the way back to the bench I said Josh, don't ever fucking do that again as long as I'm with the team. It's not your turn, well yet.
The kick went through the end zone and they had the ball on the 20. Coach said nothing new and nothing different as every team in the playoffs had scouts here. As a result we lined up in a very typical 4-3 defense. It turned out that the defense being very vanilla didn't matter as they went 3 and out. Jim was in at QB which said we're going to try to run it up their ass. They realized that and damn they crowded the line of scrimmage and in the huddle after a first down run by Todd for no gain, Jim, in the huddle said fuck this and he said same formation and he looked at JJ and said just run a slant and look for the fucking ball right away. Then he added guys keep them out of my face. As soon as the ball was snapped Jim took three steps back and floated the ball to JJ and he was off to the races. Coach was going nuts before JJ got to the end zone and he was screaming at Jim the entire time. Jim said, so coach you wanted me to wait till it was 3 down and we had to pass. We scored and loosened things up and they based on that lob still think I have no arm. Coach, it's about 80% and I'm medically cleared to play and he went and sat down. We held the other team and then went on a long scoring drive with run after run and an occasional pass from Jim to keep them a bit honest. Playing a very vanilla defense we kept them to a field goal and Jim played the entire first half. We were up 14-3 at the half. I was very good on defense and above average but not great on offense.
In the locker room coach told us Wyatt would play most of the second half and that we would open the offense a bit. He reminded us nothing new and stay with the plan. Then he said it's the last game and if something stupid happens don't react, no matter what it is DO NOT REACT. An ejection gets you out next game. Be smart and let's get two quick scores.
JJ returned the kickoff 35 yards and I gained 20 on the first play and 15 on the second plat and we were on the 15 yard line with a first down and Wyatt rolled right and fired a bullet to the back left corner of the end zone and JJ dove for the ball and made an outstanding catch. As he got up he was pushed by a player from the other team and he just stood there and flags flew. JJ jogged to the bench and we took the penalty on the kick off and with the extra point we were up 21-3. I was out on defense and spent some time with Charlie and they had a long drive and scored but it ate up most of the quarter. This time I wasn't in again on offense and I figured I was done for the night and Wyatt was throwing ball all over the place and soon enough we were up 28-10. Now almost all the starters was out and our second team was giving up yards in small clumps and while they scored it was now 28-17 and it was the second half of the final quarter. Now all the starters were in need Jim was QB. We ran plays and most were runs and a few passes and all we did was eat clock and with about a minute left I scored on a 3 yard run. The place went nuts and we lined up for a 2 point try and Jim simply knelt down but was blasted. Again flags flew but again we all simply walked to the bench. This time there were 2 players from the other team ejected.
The kickoff went into the end zone and none of our starters weren't in and they moved the ball but the game need and we won't 34-10. At the hand shake there was no drama and the coaches exchanged friendly words. We did the band thing and sang the song and ran buy our fans and it was a great night. There was the usual banter with the press and again I included the seniors. On the way to the locker room I picked up Charlie and gave him a big hug and said I'll see you at school and JJ and I and a few other will take you to Eat no Park for burgers. David said, Mike this is nothing like football at home thanks fore the special treatment. I smile and said, I'll see you at my school in the parking lot. It was a fun ride back to school and I had Josh sit with the coach and celebrated. Great season with my classmates.
At school it was mob scene as the student busses were unloading and there was a ton of celebrating going on. I grabbed my bag of equipment and started towards the locker room and was stopped by 4 media people. Mike we appreciate you deferring to your teammates and we well cover their comments but we really want to talk with you. I said fine, what's up? Mike, are you aware that offensively you hold every school record, total yards, yards rushing, yards passing and most wins? I laughed and said you forgot most interviews with you guys. Honestly I was not and that's nice to know but it's the next 5 or 6 games and those wins that matter to me. Mike, that's an astounding record considering you haven't played a complete game all year. Then there are defensive records. I laughed and said please let's not go there, are there any questions? Mike, will you play another sports? I really don't think so. What are your plans after football? I laughed and said get back in shape. They all laughed and I said, well I don't get to workout during football and there is weight to lose and the muscles need firmed out. Then I was asked how good would the team be next year? I shrugged and said key people are in place and I think very good. Mike, will you be player of the year again? I smiled and said, I have no idea and I simply don't care all I want is a state gold metal. Then I said thanks and someone asked Mike, what's new at work? I stopped and said I'll make sure you all get the press release, look for it just after noon and I took a quick shower. I found dad and The Major and Charlie and David all chatting. Charlie came running up and I got a hug and he said Mike, that was awesome, thanks. Then he asked if he could see the locker room? I laughed and said sure but it will be smelly and dirty. Inside Charlie said Mike you were right this place stinks.
Back outside David was ready to go. He talked quietly with Charlie and we shook hands and he thanked me for doing this. Charlie immediately asked Mike, where is JJ. Just then JJ appeared and he got a hug. Jim, Josh and Wyatt had agreed to do the Eat n' Park thing and I was also driving Wyatt and as soon as Charlie saw JJ's truck he was all in and JJ drove with JJ. I looked at JJ and he said MJ, I know drive safe. I smiled and said correct.
At Eat n' Park the place was packed and we needed a place for 5. As it turned out as we got there and asked for a table or booth for 5 that was easily obtained in under 5 minutes. It was burgers and fries all around and Charlie was having a blast. Wyatt was paying special attention and he laughed and thanked Charlie for being there so he wasn't the youngest. We all laughed at that and Charlie asked so how old are you? Wyatt shrugged and said 15 and I looked at him and he said, well almost. Once we were done eating JJ, took Wyatt home and when we got to my car Charlie said this is fucking hot? I looked at him and he said sorry. I asked him if he heard any of us say that and he put his head down and I said well don't say that at home tonight. He said thanks Mike.
At home, I introduced Charlie and Megan and showed him his room for the night. I told him Cole was at the tournament and that he could see him tomorrow. We went down stairs and I got Charlie a Pepsi and I had an iced tea. Charlie asked about the tournament and I told him it was about 70 minutes in the plane and a 30 car ride to the course. We talked and finally Charlie yawned and I suggested a shower and bed and that he needed to be up early as JJ and I were taking him for a giant breakfast and then we would fly to the course and be there early and he could see Cole before he started to play. That we would walk the course and watch ho he was doing. Charlie and I went upstairs and I showed him the shower and said when you are ready come down and say good night. I went back down stairs and Megan said Michael, the kid is 10 are you sure he is ok? I shrugged and said well he will yell if there is an issue. It turned out that there were no issues and the kid returned dressed in sweats about 15 minutes later. He said good night and I said, I'll see you at 7:00 and dad will get you at 6:30. Turned out Charlie slept in his underwear. Back down stairs I said goodnight and told dad the plan.
At my place, I found JJ drinking iced tea and I grabbed one as well and sat beside him and we chatted about the game and then we jumped in the shower. That lead to a massive make out session which lead to us to my bed and us fucking our brains out. We finally fell asleep nude in each other's arms. The alarm jarred us awake at 5:45 and I put coffee on and dressed for what would be a very long day. At the house I found Charley waiting in the kitchen. I took him to my place. JJ and I grabbed our bags and flight logs and we were off to the West End diner for breakfast. When the waitress, Amanda, saw Charlie she toned it down and Charlie ordered scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast and an orange juice. I just looked and she didn't even bother to take our orders and I knew we were getting what we usually got. When the food came Charlie said wow, I might not be able to eat all this? I laughed and said, well try as lunch will be hard to come by. It was about 8:00 when we started to the airport and the plane was sitting there. JJ and I started the pre-check and Charlie asked what we were doing. I told him and he said oh, dad never does that. He found it hysterical when I climbed up and checked the fuel. This was a short VFR trip and JJ was the pilot in command so all that was all there was to do get on board. I had Charlie situated and asked if he needed help? Mike, I'm good as I've done this a lot. Charlie, does your dad ever let you sit upfront? Mike, he said that it's not legal. I usually just sit back, like here, and read. Charlie, JJ's is an astronaut and a Major in the Air Force and a flight instructor, I'll check with him and if it isn't against regulations would you like to sit up front for a few minutes? There was a big smile and he said sure, that would be awesome. JJ yelled MJ, we are cleared to taxi, get up here.
JJ's take off was flawless and we were headed South and East of Harrisburg. Flight time would be an hour and 20 minutes. I asked JJ about Charlie sitting up front and he said he can absolutely do that. JJ, are you sure? He said MJ, just call my dad and ask. Well JJ, I think we should just ignore it unless he asks, I shouldn't have brought it up. Just then JJ yelled Charlie please come up here a minute. When Charlie appeared he said wow, all this stuff. Charlie, why don't your dad let you up front? Well JJ it's more like the copilot doesn't want me here. JJ said well dude, MJ will let you up here with me but you need to promise to look and not touch. He smiled and said sure. In the back I picked up what Charlie and knowing nothing about what kids that age read was impressed by the vocabulary. After about 15 minutes JJ called and said MJ it's your turn. I took his place and Charlie stayed put. Eventually we landed and it was off to the course.
We were about 90 minutes from Cole's tee time. When I looked at the pairings Steve Whitecroft was also in the final group as was a guy from Scranton. Liam came up to us and I introduced Charlie. I asked about the kid from Scranton and Liam shrugged and said Mike, all I know is that he hits it all over the place and is very long. Mike, just relax as Cole likes the place and has made friends with the staff. He has played 5 rounds here and while the greens are slower it's typical of this time of the year and they were cut this morning and the weather is sunny, not much of a breeze and 59 degrees is reasonable. We went to the practice area and Cole was warming up and waved but continued with his process. About 20 minutes before tee time he grabbed his bag and joined us on the trip to the putting green. While we were at the practice green 2 busses pulled up and it was kids from our school. Cole waved with a big smile and they all waved back making not a sound. Josh, Chad, Wyatt and Clark were leading the pack. Cole cut his putting session short and went and talked with his fans.
On the tee, introductions were made and the kid from Scranton, Dave Barry, was up first and then Steve Whitecroft and Cole was last. The first hole is a 375 yard dogleg right and there is a giant oak tree on the corner there is also out or bounds left. Barry chose driver and hit what looked like a good shot but it hooked a bit and hit the top of the Oak and fell in the rough close to the tree. Whitecroft hit a 3 wood and it was in the left rough but safe. Cole hesitated over a choice of clubs and chose driver and Liam immediately shook his head. There was the standard routine and Cole's shot started just right of the tree and was dead straight and Lim said right green side bunker. The fans started to cheer as soon as the ball cleared the oak tree. Steve pitch out of the rough and was safely in the fairway about 10 yards short of the green. Dave on the other hand had his ball between two big roots and he asked our referee for relief. The guy shook is head and said nope and explained his options all of which required a 1 shot penalty. Dave decided to play it as is and was only able to move it a few feet and it was still in the rough. His next shot was in the trap and he got out and 2 putted for a 6. Steve had a 5 nd Cole's sand shot stopped 2' from the hole and he had a 3. On the second tee Cole was up and as he started his backswing Dave coughed and some how Cole stopped his swing and turned and walked over and looked right at him and said dude if that happens again you will have to deal with this for 17 holes and every shot. He turned and signaled to his followers and they erupted. With that Cole started his routine and blasted a perfect drive and had a short conversation with the referee and was patted on the back. Cole birdied 1, 2 and 7 and had routine pars and shot 33. Steve had a 37 and Dave had an interesting 39 which included an eagle. Liam went and checked on the Meyers dude as he was in the group in front and reported he had a 37 on the front and that Cole was up by 4.
Things were pretty much settled as Cole drove the green on 10 and had a tap in birdie. Then he birdied #11 and was 5 under. He got very conservative and on #18, a long par 4 he hit 3 wood, 3 iron and finished with a par and 5 under. Steve finished second and Meyers finished third and Dave a distant 5th. Charlie was cheering for Cole and was excited but was very good about being respectful of the other players. The metal ceremony wasn't anything really fancy and Dr. Bob put the metals around each players neck and when he go to Cole he asked why? Cole asked why what, sir? Why did you shut it down after #11. Cole smiled and said well at that point I had it won and there was no need to embarrass people. Then Dr. Bob said did you know you were one shot off tying the tournament record? Cole shrugged and said those things aren't important. Cole went over to his classmates and they celebrated and all of a sudden Wyatt yelled, school song and they sang the school song, like we do after football games.
Cole met with the media and I was glad to see our local media were there in force. The first question was Cole that was a great round but why did you shut it down starting on 12? Cole replied, thanks but shut it down, I don't thinks so, can you hit 7 fairways and greens and not 3 putt. Heck that's not easy. So how was it without your Caddy? Cole laughed and said well Liam was here and walked the entire round. He didn't say a word or contact me in any way but with him here, trust me he was living in my head. Yup, I know he hated the club selection on the first tee. Cole, what are your plans for golf? Well I'll be going with the USGA, Presidents' Day weekend to play Pebble Beach. They have a meeting and MJ, will be there and I was invited to tag along. There will be an early PGA event and lots of work for the Masters. Other than that that I'll be playing about 8 PGA events and the US Open. Then we will see what happens. Cole, will you play High School golf next year? Cole sounded a lot like me as he answered, Nope. There were a number of questions about grades, outside activities and girlfriends, all of which were answered with as few words as possible. Cole saw the busses off and and it was off to a restaurant for an early dinner with Dad, Megan, Liam, JJ, Charlie and me. Dinner was a blast and Cole never took his metal off and I managed to get a great picture of him as under the sweats was the usual outfit.
All that was left was to take Charlie home. In the rental car, on the way to the airport, Charlie begged for another night. JJ finally handed him his phone and said dude, call your mom and tell her we will be there by 9:00. Then he said Charley, ask your old man to bring you back for a playoff game and you can call either of us anytime but we need to get you home.
Charlie talked with his mom and handed JJ his phone and sat in the back reading. The flight was easy and uneventful. At the airport Charlie's mom was waiting and we chatted for a while and she got a big hug from Charlie and was told what a great time he had and how awesome Cole played golf. We were east of the Capital and headed north and then northwest and finally followed the turnpike home. We were home slightly before 11:00 and I went right to the house to let them know I was back. It was a short visit and I was quickly showered and in bed and the plan was to run in the morning and then work out.
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