“Prep Coaches” By Matt Hubert © 2007

8th grade accolades
are outdated here.
20 elementary all-stars
compressed into a
12-man varsity roster.
We either win
or we lose
our jobs.

Competition is cutthroat
and a daily requirement.
Success is measured
by winning percentage 1st,
grade point average
2nd. We evaluate
talent—we have to.

He tried out.
He out-tried everyone.
Every one of our open gyms,
he was there.
About 5-foot-10, 155 pounds—
he lacked size (and speed).

But we had 3 transfers
from 3 area schools
offering us gifts
of size, athleticism and
varsity playing experience.

Still, he had his shot—
Had a good 3-point shot too.
Never took it. No killer instinct.

Really nice kid.
We had to cut him.

We won 14, lost 12.