Team Manager CHAMP!
Chapter 9
MONDAY AT LUNCH the cheerleaders joined the crew, laughing about what they’d seen at the state cheerleading championships. Dennis arrived just in time to hear the story.
“She got to the top of their pyramid and then the whole thing just kind of crumbled. Nobody fell forward or was hurt, but it just collapsed downward. The poor girl on the bottom was crying, but it was more from disappointment than from hurt. And their coach was really nice and hugged each of the girls. She said, ‘Next time. Don’t worry!’ And they got in line and bowed like they’d just won,” Rae said.
“Not like that other coach who screamed at her cheerleaders non-stop. Wow! What a bitch!” Donna said.
“So, how’d our team do?” Dennis asked.
“Oh, we won,” Sara laughed. “But they disqualified us.”
“What? Why?”
“Well, we entered in the timeout division because it’s the only one that allows regular cheers with more than one male except the mixed class co-ed division. It was a one-minute cheer routine, and we did our halftime routine with the basketballs. Everybody loved it and cheered like crazy. But it turned out that someone challenged the cheer and after they looked up the rules, they discovered basketballs aren’t an allowed prop. You’re supposed to be limited to things like poms and megaphones,” Sara explained.
“That’s cruel!” Natalie said. “You guys handle the basketballs as well as we do.”
“Well, maybe not as well as the Angelines, but certainly as well as the Wolverines,” Fred laughed. “You’ve got your work cut out with them, Dennis.”
“Well, I think we’ll get them in shape,” Dennis answered.
After the first full out practice, Dennis was not so sure.
“Someone should do an anthropological study of our district and figure out what social, environmental, and biological conditions exist that make our females so athletic and coordinated and our males so clumsy and unathletic. They work hard! They’re strong! Why can’t they bounce a ball with one hand?” Dennis moaned in the coaches’ office after practice later in the week.
“I don’t think they can blame it on you,” Andy said. “We’ve got some promising seventh and eighth graders, though.”
“I’ve gotta see if I can find some drills they can do, just so they have some positive reinforcement,” Dennis said. “Sometime last year, Brenda called it BBS: Bartley Boys Syndrome. We had that breakthrough last season where they were on an actual winning streak and were confident in their abilities. Then that darned Bulldog thing just destroyed them again. There has to be a way to get through to them.”
“If you come up with it, let me know,” Neil said. “I see the same thing you do. It’s having been told for all their lives that we go to support our team even though they’re terrible and never win a game. And they’ve set out to prove it.”
“Count your victories where you have them, Dennis. The Angelines are going all the way this year. This could be the strongest team in any sport that Bartley has ever fielded,” Ardith said. “Keep those younger girls focused and it’s a winning tradition that will last for years.”
“I wish I was a better coach,” Renée said. “I’m always afraid I’ll teach them something wrong. I’ve only coached basketball as part of gym class.”
“And I’m no help,” Pat said. “Though that coaches’ clinic a couple of weeks ago gave me a better understanding.”
“How are the wrestlers shaping up, Lyle?” Neil asked.
“I don’t have any history with the team, but I can see hints of what you are saying. We’ve got six girls and eight guys on the team. When they are matched evenly by weight, I can almost bet on the girls beating the boys. I think, though, that part of what is happening there is the boys are still being polite,” Lyle said. “They haven’t figured out yet that there is a difference between wrestling and groping. If they touch a girl’s breast during a grapple, they jump back and apologize, usually beginning to show a hardon. The girls just capitalize on it and pin them.”
“Are there usually that many girls on wrestling teams?” Pat asked.
“No. I think if there were that many on all the teams, the sport would split in boys’ and girls’ divisions, like the other sports. One girl left the team when we had the parent-athlete meeting with coaches and the principal. They had to sign a statement that they’d been informed about the potential for intimate contact during a match and we had a couple of students demonstrate the various likely holds. She was pretty busty and said she felt that would put her at a disadvantage because she had two such convenient handholds. There was nothing about the potential contact that bothered her, but about the disadvantage she felt.”
“Thoms is a great team manager for wrestling,” Grant said. “And Pat, I appreciate you doing double duty and monitoring locker room safety. We really need a female to monitor the practice, as well. I think that when we guys tell the guys something, they don’t always get the message. Like the difference between wrestling and groping. I think a woman would get the point across better.”
“Does it have to be a teacher?” Dennis asked.
“No. We could have a volunteer, but not a student,” Neil said.
“I might have an idea about someone.”
“Say, how’s your girlfriend doing for DMACC this season?” Andy asked.
“Great!” Dennis responded. “It’s still early. They won the first game and lost the second but came back last night to win the third. Brenda is leading the team in scoring and assists.”
“That’s unusual,” Neil said.
“Not really,” Ardith interposed. “I think you’ll see something near that with a couple of our players this year. Both Natalie and Diane are shaping up to be real scoring threats, but they feed the ball to the outside shooters so smoothly they will have a lot of assists.”
“Seeing any other threats on this year’s team?” Grant asked.
“Yes, several. Tori is really developing into an all-round great backcourt player. As is Amy. I see them being a real threat from the three point line. Under the basket, both Rosie and Janice are showing how tenacious they can be. I think Daphne is learning to use her height for rebounds and tip-ins. And we have a couple of freshmen who will be anchoring the team in a year or two.”
“Carrie,” Renée agreed.
“I’ve got to get home and have dinner with Mom and Peg before I start studying again,” Dennis said. “’Night all.”
The coaches said ‘goodnight’ and watched him leave, but didn’t leave themselves. When Dennis was out of the area, Neil spoke up again.
“I didn’t want to bring this up while Dennis was here because it involves another student and sensitive information. Can we agree to keep this among us here?” There were nods. “I met with the county prosecutor yesterday. None of the things being investigated involve anyone here. It was all before we arrived. Ardith, I guess you were here but strictly as a teacher and not as a coach. Nonetheless, there will probably be spill over in the investigation to the department as a whole. The former JV basketball coach, Dick Rogers, has been indicted for multiple instances of sexual exploitation of a student. That in itself is a class D felony. For those of you who are unaware, Dennis was the team manager under Rogers and reported that he’d been abused by all the members of the JV basketball team. Rogers was fired, the entire basketball season suspended, and three students were expelled. Those three were later killed in related incidents of drug and child trafficking.”
“Good grief! Are you saying that Rogers was involved more than as having permitted it on his team?” Pat asked.
“Two things have come to light in the investigation. First, either Dennis did not report or the school negotiated a non-report that the team had all orally raped him. That came out when the key student in the current investigation admitted it. But that was further backed up by that student and two others testifying that Rogers orally and anally raped them and threatened them with further harm if they did not participate in the acts of the team. And since most of those players were under sixteen and some may have been under fourteen at the time, it may step the charge up to a Class B felony,” Neil said.
“Maybe we should all get our resumes out,” Grant said.
“Well, the history of the school in this case is certainly a detriment, but I’d say that the teachers and coaches who cleaned up the mess are going to have a gold star on their resume. Don’t be too quick to jump ship. Ardith started a vast reform project here at the school when she started the Angelines. Even Coach Byers acted when he became aware of the problems. That action uncovered the affair between our former principal and the cheerleading coach who were complicit in the misbehavior of the cheerleaders. I’m not sure of the details of that one because it is not part of the current investigation, but I know both were fired and Jim disbanded the cheerleading squad immediately.”
“And you say there is more that we don’t want to hear?” Lyle asked.
“Yes. It has to do with this lovely building we are sitting in. And may be part and parcel to the investigation of what went on with the Bulldogs who all claim to have been paid off for their part in the plot, apparently by our benefactor’s competitor. This investigation has allegations of payoffs being made to the building inspectors. So far, no one knows if the payoffs were from AgCentral or from the competitor. Regardless, the building will be undergoing a rigorous inspection next week while the water heating system is replaced. There may be other problems, and the school system is liable for upkeep and repairs. You can bet they will abandon this building before they are forced to make costly repairs to it,” Neil said.
“So, I take it that means we’ll be practicing in the old gym all next week and for as long as is necessary?” Ardith said.
“So far, no. The county building inspector has not indicated that the building has to be closed during inspection. We’re hoping it’s minor. Until we find out, it’s business as usual.”
“Gosh, Neil. Welcome to being the athletic director at Bartley High School,” Andy said.
The crew barely got to wish Brenda luck before her team boarded the bus for a 250-mile trip to Kansas for their Friday night game. On the way back from Kansas, Brenda’s team stopped for a game against the Honeybees. Both games were way too far from Bartley for the crew to go cheer for her. It looked like the first time they’d be able to cheer for her at one of her games would be after Thanksgiving. Amy spent Friday night at Dennis’s house and was joined by Natalie.
“I feel so lonely when Brenda is out of town on these road trips,” Amy moaned. “And I know we’re going to have snow soon and she’ll camp out with a teammate in Boone. I really don’t know what to do with myself. That’s why I come to be with you. I love you guys so much I don’t know what to do with it.”
“You’re doing pretty well with it right now,” Dennis moaned. Amy was astride him and riding his cock as she moaned out her complaints. Natalie stroked her girlfriend and kissed her breasts.
“You know what I mean. What am I going to do when you all go away to college? Don’t leave Lana and me behind!”
Amy was becoming more vigorous in her movements as she complained and it was obvious she was working herself up to a real explosion. Natalie worked a hand around to the smaller girl’s butt and found her way to Amy’s sensitive butthole. Just as she pressed on it, she bit on Amy’s nipple.
Amy inhaled so deeply she began to shake and with a silent explosion of air from her lungs, she passed out. Dennis caught her, giving Natalie a chance to get out from between them. Her pussy muscles continued to spasm on his cock, but he resisted the urge to come. She slid off to the side and Natalie quickly took her place on Dennis’s cock, not bothering to change condoms.
“I’ve got Amy’s juices covering your cock in my pussy,” Natalie gasped. “It’s the closest we can get to you fucking me with Amy. I know it doesn’t feel any different, but it turns me on to think of having a girl in me.”
“You’re kinky and twisted,” Dennis laughed, making his cock bounce inside her.
“Yes! And I’m glad you love me for it.”
“Does that logic mean that since I still have Amy’s juice on my cock while I’m fucking you that I’m fucking you and Amy at the same time?” Dennis asked, spurring her on. “I like the idea of having my cock in both of you at once.”
“Oh, yeah. Do us! Do us!” Natalie was not going to be quiet when she came and Dennis pulled her to him so he could cover her mouth with his own as she came and he spurted up into her welcoming pussy.
“You guys are kinkier than me wanting my ass fucked,” Amy giggled next to them. “We’re not officially in the season yet. I mean we don’t have any games coming up. So maybe you could do me there tonight, too. Please?”
“You know it, sweetheart. We have a week of school before Thanksgiving break. And you know what that week is,” Dennis said.
“I feel sorry for the boys,” Natalie said. “Not sorry enough to lose to them, but I feel bad already about humiliating them.”
“If they were devoted enough to practice all summer like we did, they’d be ready for a winning season. We walked onto the court the first day of try outs and played like a team. All we’ve had to do is integrate some of the younger girls into the lineup. I’ve had to try to guard Brenda all summer!” Amy said.
“And you’re doing a good job of it,” Dennis said. “Coming up with drills where you have to steal the ball from each other before she can get to the basket was perfect.”
“Bren is sure using the skill. She has twenty-five steals so far this season,” Amy said.
“Well, let’s just get ready for the game and take it to the boys. We get to be the home team this year and it’s the first game in the new gym,” Natalie said. “I want to chalk up the first victory for the Angelines.”
The remaining week of practice saw both teams refining their roster and determining who would play. The starters were becoming obvious. Natalie had been an obvious choice for forward guard. She was tenacious at driving for the basket and had a magic touch on rebounds. Diane would anchor the team at the post. She’d progressed in her jumps to the point she would be able to dunk the ball soon. She had the advantage of being able to palm the ball and not lose it when she jumped.
Tori was shaping up at point guard and was proving more than capable of directing the team from the top of the key. The other two positions were still open. Rosie would probably start at the key forward position, but it seemed highly likely that Janice would be switching off regularly. Both girls were unafraid of the crowds under the backboard and once they had a hand on the ball it went back up and in or to a teammate who had a better shot.
Finally, the breaking guard position looked like Amy would start with Judith and Leanne switching in and out. Two freshmen were likely to get opportunities as the season got started as well.
Tuesday of Thanksgiving week was billed as the grand opening of the new athletic pavilion, with the school band planning to play before the game and at halftime. The boosters had concessions prepared and the facility smelled of hotdogs and popcorn cooking in the lobby. People began arriving for the seven o’clock game at six. All squads of cheerleaders greeted people and got them roused up. The junior high and JV teams played half-court scrimmages up to a quarter till when the Angelines and the Wolverines varsity teams took the court for warmups. Both teams had been out to get loosened up when they arrived at the gym about five, but the fans loved to see them perform their drills.
Dennis was dressed in his burgundy jacket and had a new pair of black court shoes so he could walk out onto the court during warmups and give the girls encouragement. Lana and Debbie led the stretches and drills as the girls ran layups and then shot around the three point line. Then they all worked to get rebounds and tip-ins as the ball was bounced off the back board. The buzzer sounded to call the teams in, which was the signal for Natalie to go up for a rebound and slam the ball home for a dunk. The crowd cheered as the teams lined up for introductions.
The Angelines established a new tradition right at the start. For each home game, three girls from their summer camp were selected to high five the starters as they took the court. A huge banner was hung behind the home bench that said, “We play for her!” It might have been the single most team building thing they had come up with, though the introductions were as entertaining as the rest of the game. After the boys had been introduced as the ‘visiting’ team in their burgundy uniforms, the girls lined up in their new powder blue uniforms.
“And now, the Bartley High School Angelines!” the announcer said. It was cool because a sophomore boy had come forward to ask if he could announce the games. Mark Reisner had announced the football games and had a great deep voice that rumbled through the speaker system. “Starting at point guard, number three, senior Tori McDonald!”
Tori ran up the lane of other players, slapping hands and high fiving the three junior high girls before arriving at Chris Davis at the head of the lane. They slapped both hands high and then did a hip bump before Tori ran across the floor to shake hands with Dave Overman on the boys’ line. Then she took her place at the foul line.
“Starting at breaking guard, number ten, junior Amy Unger.” The run up the lane and crossing to shake hands with one of the boys was repeated, but each girl had her own little routine worked out with Chris for the head of the lane. “Starting at forward guard, number twelve, senior Natalie Armor!” Cheers. “Starting at center, number fourteen, senior Diane Long!” And finally, “Starting at key forward, number 23, junior Rosie Barnes!” When everyone had been introduced, the teams and coaches were all on their foul lines facing the flag for the national anthem, led by the school band.
Greg Hopkins lined up in the center circle opposite Diane for the opening tip-off. Greg was nearly six-four, but he was heavy on his feet and Diane reached the ball at the same time he did. Their hands were so perfectly placed on either side of the ball that they brought it down in the center circle with both still grappling for control. The refs blew the ball dead and started the jump over. This time, Greg controlled the tip to Dave Overman and they headed downcourt to be met by a wall of Natalie, Rosie, and Amy. Dave had to shovel the ball back out to Donnie who managed to launch it up and in for three points and the first lead by the Wolverines.
The boys headed up court, but Natalie wasted no time inbounding the ball to Amy and the two girls ran past the center line before the boys had turned to face them. The first shot, near the basket by Diane, was blocked and the Wolverines turned to head back to their end of the court. They were introduced to the Angelines’ full court press for the first time. The girls had practiced this non-stop as part of their run-run-run training and never let the pressure up. The boys couldn’t get past center court before the ten second clock ran out and the girls regained possession. They started working the ball back and forth until Natalie drove to the inside and popped the ball up for two points.
That marked the way the game would progress. The boys adapted to the girls’ constant running and seemed to keep things in check, the bigger team blocking shots but still trailing 20 to 13 at the end of the first quarter. Natalie had already dropped four free throws through the hoop and seemed to draw fouls regularly as she drove relentlessly toward the basket. She had a Euro step that seemed to always leave the boys out of position.
The boys came back strong in the second quarter, managing to outscore the girls by four in the quarter to trail 41 to 37 at the end of the half. By that time, it was plain to see that much of this game would be a scoring contest between Donnie Oswald and Natalie Armor. Both were in double figures at the end of the half.
“You’re doing good,” Dennis encouraged the girls as they all gathered in the locker room between the halves. He had a good word for each of the girls who played. Judith had been in and scored once as had Janice. They were just beginning to get into the rhythm of frequent substitutions as Ardith started shifting players. This also had the desired effect of confusing the boys as she might substitute a player for Diane who switched places with Rosie, throwing their defenders off as to who they were guarding. The Angelines seemed not to be as affected by the substitutions of the other team as they played the court and not an individual opponent.
They hit the second half energized and ready to go.
So did the boys. Coach Neil had whipped them up during halftime, praising them for closing the gap in the second period and promising they could keep it up in the third. Neither team scored as much in the third period, but the boys managed to keep the girls more contained and led at the end of the third 46 to 49.
As would often be the case with the Angelines, they won the game in the fourth quarter. The girls were still ready to run, run, run. The boys began to flag. Dennis was disappointed in them. He knew they’d worked hard enough to still have energy, but they just couldn’t keep up with the Angelines and the girls won the game 64 to 58, containing the boys to just nine points in the period as the girls scored eighteen.
Stats told the story that would plague the boys all season. Natalie had outscored Donnie by just one point, 23 to 22. The difference was that thirteen of Natalie’s points had come on free throws as she shot 81% from the line. In all other categories, the boys had dominated the game, getting more blocks, steals, and turnovers than the girls. Overall, the boys hit thirteen of eighteen free throws for a respectable 72%. The girls, however, hit twenty-eight of thirty-eight, just a percentage point above the boys, but enough to win the game on free throws alone.
“The Angelines and Wolverines wish all a good night and happy Thanksgiving,” Mark announced. “Join us right back here on Tuesday next week when we face the Raiders and start bringing home the victories!”
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