Martin Rooney - High Ten

Martin Rooney

Gatlinburg, TN

2021

“Sorry it's taken so long to get together, Coach. Great to see you,” said Marcus.

“Come on, kid,” responded Brian, “after your big professional career and now becoming the youngest head coach at this prestigious school, I should thank you.”

“Yeah right! As for ‘youngest,' I'm feeling my age. And without you, this wouldn't be possible.”

“Don't go soft on me,” Brian said. “You've got work ahead bringing this place back to glory … and trying to unseat me as the best head coach this place ever had.”

“Whoa!” exclaimed Marcus. “Is that what you call yourself? You know there've been legends here?”

“I know. I didn't want you to think rebuilding this program's gonna be easy. You're inheriting a losing program, and you aren't just inheriting the previous players – you're inheriting the previous problems too.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” Marcus said.

“Remember, Marcus, that's what coaches do. Sometimes it's a pat on the back and sometimes it's a kick in the pants. How's the move been?”

“Liz was nervous, but between my pro career and coaching, this's our fifth move in 24 years. She's knows how it works. The kids are resilient, and actually excited, which made the decision easier.”

“That's great, and I can't wait to see them. Now the big question. How're you feeling?” Brian asked as he took another swig of beer.

“Well, coaching at my alma mater's a dream come true – and the big salary. But honestly, I'm scared. It's my first head job, and along with not feeling prepared, I feel pressured to win. It's not that the president and alumni aren't supportive, but I'm afraid to fail.”

“That fear's a good thing,” said Brian. “Means you care. Beware of when you don't care anymore. That's when you'll wish for something to put fear in your gut.”

As Marcus listened, he realized his old coach was on his second beer. And that he'd been monopolizing the conversation.

“How've you been, Coach? What've you been up to?”

“Well,” Brian sighed, “not much. After Kelly passed and I got her things in order, I never got started again. The kids visit, but they've got their own lives in other places. We'll be together over the holidays, but – I miss her so much.”

“She was the best,” said Marcus.

“Yeah, she was, kid,” Brian said as he took another swig. “Enough of that. This's a reunion and new chapter for you. Have you met the team? What're your biggest challenges?”

Marcus answered, “I haven't met with them yet, since I need to get my coaching staff secured first. I'll let some old staff go, but a few match my style.”

“And that style is?”

“You know me, Coach,” smiled Marcus. “Like you, I love to fire people up with passion.”

“I know you,” laughed Brian. “Just wanted to make sure you did. That'll be important during this process. It'll be tough to stay who you are. Especially in the beginning.”

“That's why you'll be my most important staff member, Coach.”

“Is this a paid position?” Brian teased.

“Paid? You have money,” laughed Marcus. “You want the job or what?”

“I don't know. I'm pretty busy,” replied Brian. “What's the job title?”

“We could call you ‘coach of the head coach.' Seriously, I need your help. You've forgotten more things about coaching than I'll ever know. Wouldn't you want to help this place win again?”

“You have good points … especially me knowing more than you … and I do like the title …” deliberated Brian.

“Come on. Don't do this to me. Just like your judo story, I need help making my weaknesses into strengths.”

“Jeez, you remember that one, huh?” said Brian.

“I remember them all. You got me started in coaching, so this's all your fault,” Marcus said. “Let's do this together. If we pull this off, there might be a shirt in it for you.”

“Hmmm, I do like free gear. Okay kid, I'm in. Let's turn that fear into fun.”

As Brian and Marcus ate, they talked about Marcus's decade playing in the pros, his family, and future ideas for his program. As Brian offered his coaching wisdom, Marcus noticed his old coach downed a few more beers. The rhythm of Brian and the waiter told Marcus that it wasn't Brian's first time drinking at Trackside.

Brian paid the tab without Marcus seeing it. His old coach still had some moves left.

As they put on their winter jackets, Brian said, “Say hi to Elizabeth and the kids. See you at my old – I mean, your new office next week?”

“Yes, Coach.”

“And Marcus … I am proud of you .”

When he said those words, Marcus hugged Brian and whispered, “Thanks, Coach.”

At that moment, Brian had a moment of déjà vu. At the same table where he met his mysterious old coach years before was seated a man with his head in his hands. As Marcus headed out the door, Brian walked toward the table.

“Excuse me, do you need any help?” Brian asked.

“Can I have a tuna melt?” said the man.

Brian laughed and said, “Not that kind of help. I don't work here. But I recognize that look.”

“What look?”

“That look when you have a problem and don't know how to fix it,” said Brian.

The man looked away and said, “Nah, I'm good. I can handle it, thanks.”

“With a tuna melt?”

“No, a tuna melt isn't going to fix this problem,” said the man, smiling back. “This one requires a bacon double cheeseburger….”

“That bad, huh? I know the feeling. I used to sit in that same seat when I had issues.”

After a long pause as he wondered if the old man would go away, he asked, “If you don't work here, what do you do?”

“I'm retired, but I used to help people fix their problems by helping them get where they wanted to go. People called me a consultant,” answered Brian.

“Ahh, I own a tech startup and we've had our share of consultants. Good gig if you ask me. You tell people ideas and if they work, you look great. If they fail, you say they didn't do them right,” the man replied.

Brian paused as he pondered whether he should go away. Then he said, “To learn something new, sometimes you gotta read an old book, kid. I'm not sure if you're too proud or too afraid to ask for help.”

Brian removed a gold-colored business card from his wallet. “Since I can't decide, here's my card.”

The man read:

“Culture coach? I never heard that before,” said the man.

“Most people haven't, kid. That's why so many businesses fail.”

“Sorry I haven't been polite. It's been a tough day, and I don't usually meet people in diners.”

“You should get out more,” smiled Brian. “My name's Brian.”

“I'm Sam … Sam Raucci.”

“Nice to meet you, Sam, and good luck with your problem. If I were you, I'd stick with the tuna melt. First choices are often the right one.”

“Thanks.” Sam smiled.

“Before I go, I'll leave you with a question that always helped when I had troubles,” offered Brian.

“Let's hear it,” replied Sam.

“Ask yourself if you're unhappy about your dream come true.”

As Sam processed the question, Brian called goodbye, to the Trackside staff and left.

Sam stared at the business card, and took the first of many pieces of Brian's advice and went with the tuna melt.

The race of life can do interesting things to people.

All three men drove home alone that night. One was scared because he knew what he had to do. Another was stressed because he didn't have a clue. But the one who stopped off for a six-pack of beer didn't realize he was depressed because he thought he didn't have anything to do at all.