Author's note: I recently found a treasure trove of stories I wrote around 2005, but never published. I hope you like it. I might have some more chapters in this story, but I will make sure that every story is self contained.
-----------------------------
I have been interested in sports medicine for many years, and my college years were spent massaging bruised ankles, smoothing tired thigh muscles, and unkinking knotted backs of our football team.
It was a weekly practice born out of necessity in our middle earnings community.
Money was always tight on campus, and when our girls' soccer team masseuse married and moved on during the second year, the principal called me to the office and offered me the job, adding that this would not only add credits to my studies, but also guarantee graduation.
I didn't need to be persuaded. Despite being seemingly tame, soccer required huge athletic sacrifice. Most players ran up to eight miles in each match and maintenance was far tougher there than with the grunts who relied on sheer muscle mass.
My timetable was thus split in three sessions each, on alternating days including Saturday, which meant I spent less hours on campus most days. It was fine by me, I never could have been classified as a morning person, so starting at ten was a god send. Most sporting sessions were held in the afternoon anyway.
I remember the first time the principal introduced me to Melanie Cooper, the head coach, in his office. He expected us to work together, as Medford had assembled a strong side and was expected to make state, and hopefully, national finals. Mel was a slim athletic woman, about forty five years of age, and a hard task master. She really looked good, but was surely way out of my league. She nodded absently at the principal's wishes.
"I promise to do my best. This is a challenge to me, and honestly, I think we have more chance with the girls making the finals than the guys. It's all bulk with them, they don't care about nutrition, or, pardon my frankness, physical relations on matchday nights. If it moves, they bonk it. Macho stuff. They hate me when I advise them about both." I didn't mince my words.
The principal was not too happy about being reminded. He had put many players out of the squad on punishment.
"Yeah, I'd prefer we put an extra effort on the girls team. Mel, you got a good job going. Stef's leaving might not be as bad as we thought."
"She was too soft on the girls boss. Stef let them off the hook many times. We lost some matches on the way, but our total points haul so far means we will finish in the county top four which will take us to the playoffs, no matter what.
Our tactics and pure skill are far better than our direct opponents, but we struggle with fitness, and sadly, we carry too many muscular injuries across the season. I'd be happy for George to work his magic." Her words were golden to me.
We agreed on a starting date and were dismissed from the principal.
Mel and I agreed to meet and talk about a plan. The day was already nearly over, so we agreed to have a talk in the locker room after the school day ended.
Five o'clock found me in the soccer locker room, with no sign of Melanie. I meandered outside and found her lapping the soccer field. I raised my hand in greeting and just waited for her to pass me.
"Last lap", she said.
I smiled and went inside, looking at what the infirmary held. It was surprisingly well stocked, better than the pne afforded to the football team. Massage beds were plentiful, and the medicine cabinet well up to date. Bandages, splints, crutches, and even wheelchairs, were well kept and painfully clean. I approved.
The coach took me out of my musings with her entrance. "Can I shower please? Or are you in a hurry?"
"Cool by me," I replied. "No-one waiting for me."
