Athletics

Carl stared at the track before him. It was full of students; running, jumping, stretching and some stood in clusters talking amongst themselves. Fifteen years ago he’d been one of those students. Ten years ago, he’d been competing professionally. Five years ago he’d had his accident. Four years ago he’d slid into prescription drugs and booze to cope. Three years ago he’d gotten clean of the pain killers, deciding there was more for him than being a washed up athlete hooked on drugs and headed down the same path as his father. Two years ago he’d gone back to college for the conversion degree that would enable him to stand here now as a coach. He might not be able to compete himself but looking at the students in front of him he knew he’d be able to help them, give them the support he was given, and what he wasn’t too.