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“I also received an invitation from a sanctuary called Lions Tigers & Bears in Alpine, California. They were the ones that transported the cubs to their new home. They would like for us to visit them when we go to California,” Cassidy said.

This was the first I’d heard that Cassidy was going to LA with me. She forwarded me the email from the rescue organization. It was one of the top ten accredited exotic animal sanctuaries in the western hemisphere. It was also one of the few that had the capability to do long-distance rescues of fully grown big cats and bears. I also noted that they worked with the Wounded Warrior Project. Veterans volunteered their time to work with the animals. Those were two causes I was completely behind.

I forwarded the email to my mom and Caryn. Mom would want to see the pictures for sure. I asked Caryn to check out Lions Tigers & Bears as a possible charity. If all was good, I would make plans to visit. I would donate money as a thank you for getting the cubs safely to Busch Gardens and help them get some positive press. I made a point that if I did visit, I would want one of the veterans to show me around. That way, both groups would get publicity.

◊◊◊

A caravan of buses left Lincoln High for our contest with Eastside. Our marching band was going, and they planned a big halftime show with Eastside’s band. The Booster Club had also funded two buses for students who wanted to attend. Eastside expected a monster crowd for the rivalry game.

I was listening to my music when I noticed Wolf lean across the aisle and start to tease Johan. I quietly pulled one earbud away so I could hear them. This should be fun!

“Are you listening to both that country and western music?”

“Do I need to pray for you again?” Johan shot back.

Johan had decided that the Devil had taken up residence in Wolf. That was mainly because Wolf was so fascinated with his country-music-loving Mennonite friend. Wolf ignored Johan’s barb and plowed forward.

“Let me listen.”

Johan handed him his headphones, and Wolf began to sing off-key with a drawl.

“Kickin’ back and drinkin’ whiskey … Drivin’ my pick-’em-up truck is risky. Hey, we might get a bit crazy tonight … Hey, girl, that’s alright … It’s our farm boy Mennonite roots … It’s just what we do.”

I was impressed that he made up the lyrics on the fly.

“Brothers! Join me in driving out the evil that is within this child. I beseech thee … begone, demon!” Johan said to exorcise Wolf.

I’d found a new song for football, Here Comes the Boom. After I took out my other earbud, I put my phone on speaker and let it play. That got my friends to focus on something else, and everyone on the bus began to get fired up for the game. We were bouncing around and ready to go once we pulled into Eastside’s parking lot.

◊◊◊

As we got off the bus, I saw Jeff Delahey. The documentary, aka reality TV series, aired its first episode on Wednesday. Jeff was a man of his word, and they’d eliminated all the artificial drama. I was glad to see that it wasn’t all about me. There’d been other nationally ranked quarterbacks at the camp, and his crew spent time getting their stories as well.

Michigan was another storyline. Jeff had interviewed other Big Ten coaches to get their take on the camp being held at Lincoln High. Ohio State didn’t disappoint when they all but called them cheats. The consensus was that it was within the rules and something the others would probably do in the future. Most colleges have a pipeline they like to keep open at some high schools. Having a camp would help solidify the relationship.

I thought Michigan’s coach was a genius. He planned to have three spring-practice days in Rome. While I was sure that the other schools would be jealous, it was a great marketing ploy for recruits. Who wouldn’t want to go to Rome?

Cassidy received some face time as she ran us through sixty minutes of hell. Coach Hope had also been featured, and they talked about his military service. He explained the origins of our exercise routine. Jeff told me he planned to spend a large portion of one episode on our training staff and Connor Fletcher, the strength and conditioning coach they’d hired for the team. Cassidy would also be featured in that segment. I felt they all deserved recognition for what they’d done to get us ready. Jeff assured me that I would get a chance to share my thoughts about what they’d done for us.

“Hey, David. I want to get some reaction to the game before you go in to get ready,” Jeff said.

I looked over at Coach Mason, and he nodded to go ahead. He wanted to give me final instructions before we warmed up.

“Sure. Where do you want to do this?” I asked.

He led me into Eastside’s gym, where they had set up at center court. I spotted one of the Eastside coaches seated in the bleachers. I think he thought I would give away our game plan.

Once we were seated, Jeff began.

“I wanted to ask you about your streaming live videos. I understand they’re gaining in popularity.”