team. He made up in strength what he lacked in finesse, won a few matches, and earned his letter. Teammates proudly wore the big “S” on their hundred-dollar blue-and-gold lettermen’s jackets, but he saved his money. His girlfriend knew he was a letterman, and he didn’t care what the other kids thought. At practice the coach lined up the team for the rope climb. Keith had never made it to the top and was tired of being teased about it. This time he hauled his two hundred pounds all the way. At the top the rope pulled loose from the bracket and he fell twenty-five feet to the hardwood floor. His feet hit first and he slammed hard on his side and head. Witnesses said he bounced three feet. “I was out for a few seconds. I cried in pain and the coach told me to stop acting like a baby. Some of the other kids thought it was funny. I could hold back the crying but not the pain. After Coach told me to get up and quit faking, somebody helped me to my feet and I found I could hop on one leg.
