Life Of Two Best Friends: College CHPT 45

Chapter 46

“So let me understand. You want to be co captains?”

I looked to Chad and he nodded to me. “Yes, Coach. We both want to be captains simultaneously.”

“I had hoped there would be only one leader. However, what is your plan for this arrangement.” Coach settled back into his chair.

“Well Coach. As you know I did not choose my friends wisely these last three years,” Chad had wanted to explain our reasonings.

Coach nodded.

“So you giving us the chance to choose a captain; made me think about if I could actually do the job. Believe me, I didn’t want to listen to George when he told me that he thought I couldn’t do it to the fullest ability. But I didn’t want to blow him off, because that’s what Bryan would have done. I don’t want to be anything like him. So I heard George out. He wants us to co captain. Because then the rest of the team will slowly begin to respect me again. It will help to be working with the person they see as their leader already. George will co captain with me to show that things have changed; that the bully side to the upperclassmen is gone. That things will change.”

It was my turn to bring our proposal home, “so Coach we will co captain until closer to finals. Then around that time we will decide who should be the lead captain. But this seems to me the only way that Chad could possibly be the captain. That he needs to gain the respect of everyone else first.” Now it was Coach’s choice. He could say no and make us decide.

Coach didn’t answer. He just sat in his silent stance.

I can never read what he is thinking.

“Well it’s not what I expected, but I must say I’m proud of both of you. That fact that you didn’t just want to cover up everything; that you actually want to change things for the better is quite impressive. This is why I made you both discuss it. Because at this moment in time I didn’t think Chad would be able to gain the respect of his teammates. That there would be more chaos than leadership. But I also didn’t think that you George were quite ready to fully lead. You partially lead, but to be the full time leader is more work. So I approve of your decision. I think this will work out quite well. Maybe this way will help change everything, because then it is never just one with all the power. It will be kept fair. I do quite like this,” Coach smiled before taking a sip of his coffee.

‘It’s eerie to see Coach smile.’ “So should we announce it officially at the mock meet tomorrow? Or should we just start spreading the word?”

“Go ahead and spread the word. I actually want things to change on this team. I think that’s the only way for great swimmers to come out of this program again. That it’s less about the official roles on the team, but that the environment is more relaxed for you swimmers to focus on what matters. The pool. This is great. I’m excited for tomorrow. It will be interesting to see who will be the A stringers. Anything can happen. Especially if there is no intimidation from Bryan and his gang. Okay. Go back to your dorms and prepare for tomorrow.”

I let the breath I was holding in, out slowly. Relief flooded me. He accepted our proposal, but he seemed very interested in the outcome of this change. That was my initial intention. I wanted things to change. To do what Coach had asked of me. To change this team. And to do that, it doesn’t have to just be because of a new leader; but because of the whole dynamic of the team. That any string athlete can an A stringer. That not one person has all the power and control. That not another Bryan would happen. That swimming would be the focus! How it should be. I too was excited for tomorrow. Anything could happen.

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