The Freshman by K. R. Coleman

Author:K. R. Coleman [Coleman, K. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Kick, Kick!, Athlete, Athletes, Athletics, Best Friend, Best Friends, Bravery, Bullies, Bully, Bullying, Courage, Darby Creek, Fiction, Friendship, Hazing, High School, High School Athlete, High School Athletes, High School Soccer, High School Soccer Player, High School Soccer Players, High School Sports, K. R. Coleman, Reluctant Reader, Reluctant Readers, Soccer, Soccer Fiction, Soccer Player, Soccer Players, Sport, Sports, Sports and Activities, Sports Fiction, Sports Stories, Sports Story, Student Athlete, Student Athletes, Teen, Teenager, Teenagers, Teens, The Freshman, Varsity Soccer, Young Adult, Young Adult Literature, Young Adult Readers
ISBN: 9781541517516
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Published: 2018-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Saturday is Iggy’s first day of practice with the varsity team. He hasn’t seen or spoken to any of his teammates since they left him looking for change in the water fountain. No one even texted to make sure he made it home.

He walks by himself to the field. It feels strange not to have Malcolm by his side. Being on different teams means they’re on different schedules too.

Some guys are already on the field when Iggy gets there.

“Iggy the Piggy, you ditched us last night!” Chad shouts with that cocky half smile of his.

“I ditched you?” Iggy sits down on a bench and puts his cleats on. He’s not thrilled with his new nickname.

“It was just a test,” Chad says, putting his arm around Iggy’s shoulders. “Did this little Iggy cry all the way home?”

“No.” Iggy remembers what Maya said about Chad liking her sister. “Lucy Pham picked me up and gave me a ride home.”

“Lucy?”

“Yeah,” Iggy says, tying his shoe. “She’s in your class. You don’t know her?”

“I know her,” Chad snaps. Then he moves closer and stands inches from Iggy. “Did you tell her it was my fault or your fault you got left behind?”

“What do you think?” Iggy asks. “How was it my fault?”

“You’re a freshman. Everything is your fault. But seriously.” Chad leans in toward Iggy. “I need you to tell Lucy I’m not a bad guy.”

But you are a bad guy, Iggy thinks. He just looks at Chad.

“Here’s what you’re going to do,” Chad says, still standing too close. “Next time you see her, put in a good word for me. Got it? Tell her what a great captain I am. Tell her she should go out with me.”

She can’t stand you, Iggy wants to say. Instead, he stands up. “Sure. Whatever.”

“Good boy,” Chad says, slapping him on the back as they head to the field.

Coach Yuro blows his whistle, and the team gathers around him. There aren’t any introductions or words of welcome for the new players.

“You looked lazy during tryouts,” Coach Yuro begins. “It’s time to get into shape.” His face is unmoving, and his eyes are like black pebbles as he paces back and forth in front of them. “I expect fierce players. I expect my team to win.”

Coach Yuro has set up four sets of orange cones on the field. Iggy lines up with his team at one end of the field, and when Coach Yuro blows his whistle, they run to the first set of cones, touch the ground, and run back. They do this until they’ve hit them all. Then they do the whole thing again. Iggy feels as if he’s going to puke, but he manages to keep his breakfast down. Two of the seniors aren’t so lucky—they head to the side of the field and throw up.

Iggy’s legs burn and his heart is pounding, but Coach Yuro doesn’t give them much time to rest. For the next drill he lines up two dozen cones and has the players weave in and out between the cones while controlling a ball.

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