656 V2 ch128 (1/2)

Dinner in the cafeteria was the loudest meal so far. Everyone was lining up for food and piling their plates before finding somewhere to sit. By now, we've kind of had a set group to sit with: Landon, Travis, Adam, Cody, Dylan, Ansar, and a couple other familiar faces.

”We ran twelve miles!” Landon told the other guys. ”It was hell!”

Cody, who was with us on the run, shook his head. ”It wasn't that bad. There were breaks between street lights and it's better than sprints. I heard some groups had to do shuttle sprints before and after lifting weights.”

”My legs feel like jello.” Landon continued to complain. ”Twelve miles! That's not normal. Even soccer players only run like seven miles in a game. Cross country teams don't run this much in a race either.”

”They run this much and more in practice.” Ansar spoke up. ”Our school is number one in our conference and they put in some serious mileage during practice and especially during their summer camp.”

”I'm not a cross country runner.” Landon sighed. ”I'm gonna be feeling it tomorrow.”

I nodded in agreement as I stuffed some pasta into my mouth. I'll probably wake up stiff as a board. I can't imagine a full week of this.

”Well boys, the hard part is over.” Travis laughed. ”Day one is always the toughest. You have to show off everything you got to the coaches and scouts.” He lifted an eyebrow. ”I think those of you that got to run with Zeke will get extra attention. You ran with someone that's a first-round pick.” He sighed. ”It's crazy how close we are getting to the pros. I never thought I would see some right before my very eyes.”

I blinked.

”I just hope Zeke isn't the assistant coach for my team.” Noah said. ”I need a break from him.” He glanced at me. ”Why don't you tell him to be an assistant on your team so I have a chance to be with Rhys?”

I stuck my tongue out at him.

”C'mon, he would go easy on you.” Noah pleaded.

I shook my head. ”Easier than Rhys? No way.” Rhys was really nice and easygoing.

”You guys already know what teams you're on?” Ansar asked.

Noah shook his head. ”Nah. But Zeke did tell us that Jake would be on the same team as Rhys.”

”Why?” Cody was confused.

Noah glanced at me and noticed that I had tensed up. ”Probably because Jake is his favorite brother.”

”Big families are like that!” Adam declared. ”Everyone has their favorite. Parents too. And it's always the youngest.” He squinted at me. ”Are you the youngest?”

Noah burst out laughing. ”He is! And he's for sure everyone's favorite!” Noah threw his arm around my shoulders and continued to laugh. ”But, at least I know, I'm his favorite. So I'm the favorite's favorite!”

”Good evening, everyone.” He started to speak and everyone simultaneously got quiet. ”I know it's been a busy morning and afternoon, but we're not quite done yet. For the week, we'll be playing scrimmages against one another. So with the scoring from this morning, we've made balanced teams. Teams will not change throughout the week, including pitchers and catchers.” Whispers and murmurs started to get a little louder.

Coach Leroy grinned. ”I know you're all excited to meet your coach and teammates for the week, but let me finish.” Everyone got quiet again. ”In the mornings, after breakfast, pitchers and catchers will go their own way with our pitching staff. The rest of you will do drills throughout stations, similar to this morning, but with more focus on actual training and not testing. The afternoon and evenings will be a mix of games or practicing with your selected team. We have a schedule made.”

”Do we get anything for winning?” Someone yelled out, making a few guys laugh, but most had their eyes trained on the head coach.