ANDREW'S RECRUITING SUMMER CHAPTER 7: THE OHIO STATE RECRUITING VISIT PART 2

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        On the day of the Ohio Stadium tour, Andrew and Carrie woke up, had their shower and got dressed. 

        "Are you all ready for our tour of Ohio Stadium today Big Man?" Carrie asked Andrew with a big grin.

        "Yes Carrie, even though it's a public tour," Andrew replied.

"Actually Andrew, it's a private tour, held during a public tour timeslot," Carrie corrected him, handing him the email printout from Coach Tressel. "I'm surprised a genius like you forgot about that."

"I'm a little distracted Carrie, because I have a bad feeling about this tour suddenly," Andrew said, turning back from the window through which he had been staring.

"Why would you Andrew?" Carrie asked him.

"I'm not sure Carrie," Andrew replied. "Maybe it's everything I told JP about last year that is making me sad. I just suddenly realized that the last time I set foot on a football field was the day David's team beat ours to win the Provincial Championship."

"Surely that can't be the last time; you were on lots of football fields during the college spring camps in March," Carrie reminded him.

"American football fields; not Canadian ones Carrie," Andrew corrected her.

"That subtle distinction is not terribly persuasive Andrew," Carrie said. "Maybe you're just nervous about stepping onto a larger stage, so to speak. I think you should follow JP's example: he doesn't seem intimidated by the prospect of wrestling for the NCAA; instead, he seems very excited. So try looking forward to NCAA football instead of getting nervous."

"Sounds good to me Carrie," Andrew said. "Let's go downstairs now and have breakfast with our friends."

They collected Mike, JP and Matt and then went downstairs for breakfast.

"Will Carl and Coach Tressel be the tour guides for us this morning?" JP asked Andrew.

"Yes JP," Andrew replied, checking over the email from Coach Tressel. "Even though we have to pay for the tour, it is part of the Unofficial Visit." JP nodded in understanding and then listened as Andrew continued. "Based on my experience so far, this visit is the best chance for me to have one-on-one time with the Head Coach for the Buckeyes."

"How much did you tell Coach Tressel about your recruiting interest from other schools?" JP asked suddenly.

"Nothing JP," Andrew replied. "I want to see what his offer is by itself, without having several schools competing for my football skills."

"You sound upset by that prospect, but you secretly love it, don't you Andrew," JP teased him.

"Yeah man, I do," Andrew agreed with a slight smirk. "It's good to know that I'll have some options about what school to go to next fall."

"Does Coach Tressel know that you're visiting Notre Dame and Michigan after you're done here?" JP asked.

"Yes he does, but he hasn't asked me if they've offered me anything yet. But I don't think I'll get offered anything from any school until the Unofficial Visits are over."

JP nodded in understanding and they slowly continued eating their breakfast: killing time until the start of the Ohio State Stadium tour. Then they went upstairs and put on their Varsity Jackets. Andrew felt something in his pocket, reached in and pulled out his Provincial Finalist Silver Medal.

"I didn't know you had a medal as well Andrew," JP said in surprise.

"What, this little thing?" Andrew asked with a smirk as he put it around his neck. "It's just something I slipped on." JP chuckled and Andrew added, "Seriously though, even though we lost the Provincial Championship game, we won Silver Medals and posed with the District Championship trophy."

"Well you did better than I did; I didn't get to pose with a trophy," JP muttered in frustration, looking glum. "I was only a District Finalist, not a champion."

"Even so, you certainly took care of that guy who was messing with Chrissy," Andrew realized. "So even if you're not a champion yet, you're a really good wrestler." JP smiled and Andrew turned away to begin packing his suitcase. "I'm glad I can still make you feel better man."

"I want to return the favour Andrew, but first I have to make you feel worse," JP said with a big grin.

"What do you mean man?" Andrew asked, interrupting his packing to look over at his friend.

"We're still sleeping at this hotel tonight, so you don't need to pack your suitcase yet," JP reminded him with a big grin. He laughed when Andrew swore in frustration and asked, "Did you forget?"

"Yes I did JP, but you've forgotten what happened the last time you made me mad!" Andrew snapped at him. JP nodded soberly as he suddenly remembered and Andrew let out his frustration with a slow breath. "Sorry about that Big Guy: I'm just nervous because of my bad feeling about this Ohio Stadium tour."

"If I were you, I'd have a good feeling about it, especially if you go to this school for college football," JP said, as they left the room. As Andrew locked the door, he added, "Almost every guy who plays high school football wants to be in your position as a Blue Chip Recruit, but only a handful get to become one. Enjoy the journey you're on, instead of getting nervous from all the attention."

"I've taught you well JP: now you know how to make me feel better," Andrew commended him, as they headed downstairs.

"Anything I can do for you Big Guy, since you brought me here for my first recruiting visit," JP assured him, as they joined their friends in the lobby.

"Should we all go in your car, or take my truck as well?" Andrew asked.

"Two of you weigh more than 300 pounds and there are five of us in total," JP reminded him with a smirk. "How about you and I go together in your truck and Carrie can go with Mike and Matt in my car?"

"If Mike and I sat in the front of my truck, the rest of you would fit in the backseat," Andrew corrected him with a smug grin. He grinned as JP's smirk faded away, and added, "Sorry JP; you may be a Genius most days, but not today." To emphasize his point, he flexed his massive biceps, which could be clearly seen through the sleeves of his tight Letterman's Jacket. JP nodded in compliance and Andrew laughed, "Good man: you know how to shut up and follow orders."

They all got into Andrew's truck and headed to the Ohio Stadium. Once there, Andrew parked his truck, they got out and paid for the parking. Then they headed to the Stadium Rotunda to meet Coach Tressel for the tour.

After waiting there for a few minutes, Mike suggested that they all wait inside the Rotunda, since it was starting to rain. 

"Good idea Mike; then we can use the Band Entrance as Carl suggested last night," Andrew agreed. He looked over at his huge friend as they walked and asked, "Have you felt ignored by the football coaches so far on this visit?"

"Not too much Andrew," Mike assured him. "I had some time alone with the Offiensive Coordinator yesterday while you were with the Head Coach. The O.C. has already offered me an Official Visit for the fall and I've accepted."

"Good for you Mike," Andrew congratulated his best friend. They reached the Band Entrance, stepped inside and made their way to the inside of the Rotunda. They could see the inner ramps of the stadium and the field in the distance at the end of a long tunnel. "Does everyone have their checkbooks ready?"

"Matt and I do, but they don't take Canadian cheques here," JP realized, reading the fine print on his ticket email. "Hopefully you three have credit cards with you."

"I have a Capitol One Secured Card, which I got almost two years ago when I turned 16," Andrew informed him, pulling the card out of his wallet. Mike and Carrie did the same with their credit cards, and then everyone set their ticket emails down on the stand that seemed designed for that purpose. "Looks like we're all ready for the tour; we just have to wait for our tour guide. Does everyone have their digital cameras charged and ready?"

Everyone nodded, and took out their cameras to see how much room they had for pictures during the stadium tour. While they waited for 9:30, Andrew had JP tell them all about his tour of the Ohio State Wrestling Facilities the day before. 

Once he was done, Coach Tressel arrived to start their 9:30 Ohio Stadium Tour. "Good morning Andrew and Mike; are you ready for your stadium tour?"

"Yes Coach, and so are JP, Matt and Carrie," Andrew replied, stepping aside so that Coach Tressel could see them.

"Ah yes, I didn't see them there," Tressel said, looking embarrassed. He decided not to remind Andrew that he and Mike had been standing in front of the other three. "I see that you're holding your Ohio State football Andrew."

"Yeah I am Coach; JP bought it for me last night," Andrew said. "But I just remembered that we can't throw it around on the football field during stadium tours. I probably should have left it in my truck."

"This isn't just a stadium tour for you and your friends Andrew; it's an Unofficial Visit," J.T. reminded him. "And since I have to evaluate your football skills on a college field, having your football with you will make it possible." Andrew grinned when he realized that he had done something smart after all, and handed J.T. his credit card. "Ah yes, you realized that Canadian cheques can't be processed in the United States," he said with a proud grin. "You truly are a Smart Jock Andrew, just as your football coach told me you were."

Andrew nodded in agreement, feeling embarrassed that Coach Everson had been bragging about him. As Mike and Carrie paid for their tour tickets, he suddenly realized that his coach had to brag about him, so that the NCAA would notice him and give him a football scholarship.

Once everyone had paid for their tour, J.T. led everyone into the stadium and up the stairs to where the tour started: in one of the lower level skyboxes.

"I have something to tell you Andrew before we start the tour," J.T. said. "I'm not sure how to break the news to you, especially since I just found out myself five minutes ago."

  "And what is this news?" Andrew asked.

"There is another person who is taking this tour with us," J.T. replied. "He didn't give his name, but he said that he knows you quite well and that he looks forward to seeing you again."

"Could be Ralph our Starting Quarterback," Andrew guessed. "Or maybe it's Connor: our star Wide Reciever."

"No Andrew, this guy is almost as big as you are," J.T. corrected him.

"Then it's either Phil, Darrel, or Steve, who I stand beside on the Offensive Line," Andrew realized. "I guess they have Unofficial Visits this summer just like me. Let's get in there and say hello; then we can enjoy the tour together."

"Good idea Andrew," J.T. said. "Our Offensive Coordinator was going to give him the tour at 9:00, the start time on his ticket, but he insisted on waiting for you so that he could join you at 9:30." He led the way into the skybox and asked his Offensive Coordinator, "Where is the recruit from Simcoe County who knows Andrew Pearson?"

"I'm right here Coach," said a huge brown-haired guy who was sitting in a chair facing the window. He stood up, turned around, and grinned at the look of fury on Andrew's face. "Hello Andrew; what are you doing here?"

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"David Harrington," Andrew spat, as if he had just swallowed something awful. "I should ask you that question."

David's grin widened: immensely pleased that he had just spoiled the Ohio State Recruiting Visit of his nemesis. 

"My last name won't be Harrington for much longer Andrew; it will be Pearson soon," David gloated. "And then you get the last name of my former father." Andrew glared at him in fury, so David decided to answer his question. "The Ohio State Offensive Coordinator invited me on this stadium tour as part of my Unofficial Recruiting Visit," David replied. "I'm not interrupting your stadium tour, am I Andrew?"

"Of course you are David, since Coach Tressel just informed me that you wanted to wait until mine had begun," Andrew snapped. 

"I'm sorry Andrew," David said sarcastically. "Would you like me to leave?"

"Yes," Andrew replied bluntly. "This is my stadium tour, not yours. Leave now, or there will be trouble."

"Let's go David; we'll start our tour at the end point so that we don't interfere with Andrew's tour," the Offensive Coordinator decided.

"Have David wait outside, while you and I talk in private," J.T. growled in quiet fury. He turned to Andrew and said, "You and your friends sit in the seats by the windows and admire the closeup view of the field. I'll be with you in a few minutes."

Andrew nodded gratefully, relieved that David was leaving. Then he and JP sat down in two seats by the window and admired the view of the football field.

"I've never seen you look so mad Andrew, even when you were telling me all about David yesterday," JP whispered. "For my own safety, I'm glad you've calmed down. You really scared me for a minute there."

"I scared myself as well JP," Andrew admitted, slowly unclenching his fists. "If David hadn't left just now, I would have given him a closeup view of the field, after I threw him through this open window in front of us."

JP looked over at him in shock, not sure if Andrew really meant that or if he was just releasing his fury with tough talk. He wisely decided not to ask, because he didn't want to provoke Andrew into doing something that ruined his recruiting visit.

"What did David mean when he said that he won't be using the name Harrington much longer?" JP asked. 

"My parents got seperated last year and the divorce was just finalized last month," Andrew replied. "Now my mom is free to marry my true father Derrick Harrington and I can take his last name just like she will. David can have the loser leftovers of the Pearson family!"

"Does that mean that I'll have to change the name on any scholarship offers we give you?" Coach Tressel asked, walking up to them.

"Yes Coach, as soon as I get my new IDs in the mail," Andrew replied. "As soon as the divorce was finalized, I applied for a legal name change and the courts granted it. Next month, when I go back to Reserves Infantry Training at Meaford, I will be Andrew Harrington. David will then have the last name Pearson, so you'll have to change the last name on any offers he gets as well."

"From the angry look on your face, I'm guessing that you don't want him to get any offers, so that you can play for our team without his interference," J.T. guessed.

"That's right Coach, but since he plays Middle Linebacker and I play Centre, we shouldn't be competing for the same position anyway," Andrew realized with a grateful grin. "Now, not to change the subject, but what were you and the Offensive Coordinator talking about?"

"I told him that David's tour was supposed to start at 9 am, so he shouldn't have let David wait here until yours started, especially given your bad history with him," J.T. growled in fury. "Despite what David wants, his status as a prized recruit doesn't mean that his tour can start later: not at 9:10, or 9:20 and certainly not at 9:30, when he was sure to run into you."

"Good thing it wasn't literally or he would have bounced off me onto the floor," Andrew realized.

"And would you have helped him up?" J.T. asked.

"The right answer would be yes, but you probably don't want me to lie," Andrew replied. J.T. nodded in agreement and Andrew added, "Besides, if he's stupid enough to try running me over, he deserves to get knocked onto his back when he bounces off."

"So you won't punch him out like you did last fall," J.T. predicted, pointing down at Andrew's clenched fists.

"No Sir, not this time," Andrew replied, slowly unclenching his fists. "Besides, it turned out that I was defending the honour of someone who wasn't even my real grandfather."

"Who is now?" J.T. asked, as they began walking towards the stairs.

"I don't know; I've never met Mr. Harrington's parents," Andrew replied. "And since he's divorced Alice Mitchell, I won't be related even by marraige to any of her military siblings, like General Mitchell."

"Are you related to David?" J.T. asked.

"Thankfully not," Andrew replied. "Chad Pearson cheated with Alice Mitchell to have him, but I came from Derrick Harrington and Susan Thompson. None of us found out until after the Divorce Hearing last November, when the mutual cheating was revealed and the DNA tests were ordered."

"It's too bad you had to go through all that Andrew," JP said, as Coach T. showed them an old Ohio Stadium picture.

"It wasn't too bad JP; at least I know who my true father is and I get to inherit his company one day," Andrew said smugly. "Mr. Pearson and Miss Mitchell were both fired after their failed Boardroom Coup, along with David. So last October, my mother took over as Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Harrington (soon to be my new dad) stayed on as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. So one day I will inherit a company that is worth more than one billion dollars and I will become rich beyond my wildest dreams!"

"Then why are you here Andrew?" J.T. asked seriously, leading them up to the next skybox level. "If you can just sit back and inherit a company you're already part of, why go through the trouble of trying to get a College Football Scholarship? Your new dad could sneeze at the cost of paying for your college; he could probably even get you into the Ivy League Schools with a massive donation."

"Especially since he is an alumnus of one of them," Andrew realized. "But he is a self-made man who built his company from the ground up, and I intend to do the same thing with my wealth. No one can take away from me what I get for myself, and no one is ever going to say that I rode anyone's coattails to get to the top! I'm going to get there all by myself, thanks to my hard work on the football field and in the classroom!"

"Very good for you Andrew; you're not suffering from Affluenza at least," J.T. said with an approving smile.

"I'm glad you approve of my intentions Sir, but what is Affluenza?" Andrew asked.

"It is a social condition with one symptom: the person thinks that their family's money can get them everything they need or want in life."

"Without having to work for it," Andrew realized suddenly. "I bet they even think that Mommy and Daddy can just have a high-priced lawyer on retainer to keep them out of jail even if they murdered someone!"

"Exactly right Andrew," J.T. agreed, as they entered another skybox. "But without that money, since they never learned to stand on their own, the criminals fall from a great height; like the height we are above the field. And even if they were as big as you are, they'd never survive the fall!"

  "That's a great view Sir, but you're right: even I wouldn't survive a fall from this height," Andrew realized, with a very serious look on his face. As he looked left, he added, "I must say though: it's a great view of the football field from up here!"

"Just wait until you see the view from the football field itself," J.T. reminded him. "That's where I will evaluate the football skills of you and Mike, to see if you're both good enough to get offers for an Official Visit this fall."

"Then we'll have to recruit Matt, JP and Carrie to help us with that demonstration," Andrew decided, as they started down the stairs to Field Level.

"Even though Carrie is being recruited for hockey, JP is being recruited for wrestling and Matt is being recruited for the band," J.T. realized. 

"We all know something about football as well, thanks to Andrew and JP's older brother Ryan," Carrie reminded him, drawing an angry glare from JP at the mention of his hated older brother.

J.T. noticed JP's dark look and said sternly, "You should take a lesson from Andrew JP: don't let your hatred of your rivals be so obvious, especially on a recruiting visit!"

JP glared over at him, feeling even more angry and snapped, "With all due respect Coach, I'm here to be recruited for wrestling, not football! So what makes you think you can tell me what to do?"

"Let's get one thing clear right now Mr. Maloney," J.T. snapped, advancing right up to his face. "This is my stadium, not the wrestling arena! I'm in charge here; not the Head Wrestling Coach and certainly not you! And remember this: it was Andrew who brought you on this stadium tour, as part of his recruiting visit hosted by me! So don't talk back to me anymore; just keep quiet and enjoy this stadium tour. And stop obsessing about your older brother; he's not even here!"

JP was about to say something more but then he noticed Andrew shaking his head and wisely decided to stay silent.

"That's much better Mr. Maloney; maybe when you've calmed down, you'll decide to take my advice," J.T. said. He turned back to Andrew and wanred him, "I expect you to keep a tighter rein on JP's temper Andrew, before his behavior damages your recruiting chances here at Ohio State, and his as well!" 

JP looked shocked at that statement: realizing that Coach Tressel could easily tell Coach Hellickson all about his rude behavior. He wanted to apologize, but he got the feeling that Coach T. was too upset at that moment to accept it.

"I understand Coach, and I'm sure it won't happen again, right JP?" Andrew asked, glaring at his protege. JP wilted under Andrew's death glare and shook his head. "I didn't think so. Sorry about his behavior Coach."

"He's the one who misbehaved Andrew; not you," Coach T. snapped. "So he should be the one apologizing for his behavior, not you!"

"If an apology will do, then I offer it," JP said quietly.

"I'm afraid it won't, so I'll save you the humiliation," Coach T. snapped. "Apologies don't mean anything unless you change the behavior that made them necessary in the first place! Now, if you'll behave from now on, I'm willing to give you another chance to stay on this tour. But talk back to me one more time and I'm through with you: understood?"

"Yes Sir," JP replied instantly, feeling like he had just been schooled in the ways of the real world.

"I'll hold you to that JP," Coach T. said, holding out his hand. "A man's only as good as his word, so let's shake on it." JP nodded his head soberly and shook his hand firmly, having just learned a very valuable lesson. "Now let's forget about what just happened and move on with the tour."

"Sounds good to me Sir," Andrew said, giving JP an approving grin. JP nodded faintly as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "I'm guessing that the football field itself is the next part of the stadium tour?" 

"That's right Andrew: the place where you'll hopefully achieve 'Glory on the Gridiron' for the NCAA!" Coach T. shouted excitedly.

"Calm down Coach; I'm the one who's supposed to get excited today," Andrew said.

"I have every right to be excited Andrew; I get to host a Blue Chip High School football player for this recruiting visit," Coach T. reminded him.

"Sounds like a great guy Coach; when do I get to meet him?" Andrew teased him.

"You see him in the mirror every day Andrew!" Coach T. shouted in frustration. "He's you!"

"I know Coach; I was just yanking your chain," Andrew assured him with a cocky smirk.

"You shouldn't do that Andrew: it's attached to my fist," Coach T. teased him.

"If your fist can't even make me bleed, then what use is it as a threat?" Andrew sneered at him.

As Andrew and Coach T. chirped back and forth, JP watched in astonishment: amazed that Andrew was treating Coach T. like his best friend.

Andrew truly is fearless, JP suddenly realized. I don't think I've ever seen him afraid, not even when those huge West Virginia football players surrounded our table! I can only hope that I can one day be as fearless as Andrew! Maybe he'll teach me how!

"What's got you so shocked JP?" Andrew asked, looking over at him with a smirk. JP shook his head wordlessly and held up his hands. "I stand corrected JP; you're not shocked. You're in awe: of me."

"Yes I am Andrew," JP admitted, as they reached the bottom level of Ohio Stadium. "But not just of your fearlessness, but also of your generosity."

"I'm very glad to hear you say that JP," Coach T. said proudly. "You've realized your mistake from earlier and you finally appreciate how much help Andrew has given you for your future here as a Buckeye." He turned to Andrew and asked, "What about you Andrew?"

"What do you mean Coach?" Andrew asked, looking confused.

"I mean: are you ready to take the first look at your NCAA future?" Coach T. asked, stepping aside to reveal what was behind him.

"Wow!" was all Andrew could say as he took his first steps onto the Ohio Stadium football field.

JP looked over at Andrew and grinned when he saw the look of awe on his big friend's face. He has the same look on his face that Coach H. said I had on mine when I toured the Ohio State Wrestling Facility yesterday.

"This could be your future Andrew: playing College Football as a Ohio State Buckeye," Coach T. declared. "But first you have to earn it."

"And how do I do that Coach?" Andrew asked, looking down at him.

"By throwing Mike some passes while JP tries to block you and Matt tries to block him," Coach T. decided.

"Actually, I'd like to work out some of my aggression by catching some passes," JP said. When Coach T. turned around to stare at him, JP met his eyes and added, "Andrew can block against Mike while Matt throws me Andrew's football. Then you can evaluate Andrew in his proper role as Center."

"Excellent idea JP; I see that you've learned a lot about football already from your mentor Andrew," Coach T. said with an approving smile. He noticed Andrew still looking around the field in awe, as if he couldn't believe that he was actually standing on an NCAA Football Field that he might play on one day. "But first, I think it would be a good idea if I took a group picture of all of you. Then we can proceed with your first NCAA football practice Andrew, even if it is in an Unofficial Capacity."

"Good idea Coach, but you should be in the picture, as our host for this tour," Andrew decided. He turned to his friends and asked, "So who wants to take the picture and who wants to be in it?"

"I'll take the picture Andrew, since I got mine taken during my tour of the Ohio State band facilities yesterday," Matt offered.

"Good idea Matt," Andrew agreed, handing over his digital camera. "So, where should we stand?"

"Why don't we all stand with our backs to the National Championship Banners in the other end zone?" Coach Tressel suggested. "Then you'll have something to aim for if you play here."

"Good idea Coach," Andrew agreed. "Let's go everyone."

Everyone walked to Center Field, so that they could stand inside the big Red O that was the Ohio State Symbol.

Then Matt took a few pictures, and even some individual shots of Andrew and Coach Tressel. He even took a few with the Ohio Stadium sign in the background, so they each had a good souvenir picture of their visit.

After that, Coach Tressel stood on the sidelines with Carrie while the four male athletes went through the football exercises. Coach Tressel took notes on his clipboard while Carrie took pictures and video: with Ohio State's digital camera this time.

Then, during their first break, Andrew noticed something that made him grin in anticipation.

"It looks like I'll be able to practice against Ohio State Football players today," he realized, pointing to Carl and the other two Buckeyes who were entering the football field from the tunnel.

As Carl and his teammates jogged across the field, he added, "I'll soon be able to compare myself against Carl and his teammates! Maybe they'll even try to tackle me!"

 

"Yes they will Andrew, and you should be able to quite literally throw the tackles back!" Coach T. realized. He stood up from the bench and motioned Andrew, and his friends onto the field. "Andrew, Mike and JP stand on the north side of the field; Carl and his two teammates will take the south side. That way, there will be one quarterback, one receiver and one guard for each side of the field."

 

"Good plan sir," Andrew said, as he and his teammates took off their shirts. 

 

"It should be; I thought of it!" Coach T. said, not quite modestly. "Get ready for your upper body measurements everyone; then you can start the football drills."

 

Everyone stood still as Coach T. took their measurements, feeling a bit like pieces of meat as their upper body muscles were poked and prodded. Andrew and Mike loved the attention, but JP felt nervous, since he wasn't around his wrestling teammates.

 

After the measurements were complete, Coach T. supervised the blocking and passing drills. As the players progressed through the exercises, Coach T. wondered if the players knew that Mike was also being tested that day, and not just Andrew. Carrie and Matt videotaped everything with their digital cameras and smiled with pride at their partners' athletic feats on the Ohio Stadium Football Field. 

 

Once the football drills were complete, Coach T. motioned the six football players over to the sidelines. "I was very impressed with your blocking and guarding abilities on the field," he said, looking at Andrew and Mike. He turned to JP and added, "I was also very impressed with your performance JP; you caught every pass!"

 

JP was about to thank Coach Malcolm when he was distracted by Andrew dousing himself with water from his sports bottle. 

 

"That was a very effective 'Jock Shower' Andrew," Coach T said. 

 

"Thank you sir; it seemed like the quickest way to get cleaned up before lunch," Andrew said, shrugging modestly. He dried off and then reached for his t-shirt.

 

"Good idea: putting your t-shirt back on Andrew," Coach T. commended him. "Even the Buckeyes football players, as catered to as they are on campus, can't walk around shirtless inside the school buildings!" Andrew looked disappointed that he wouldn't be able to walk around shirtless once he went inside. Coach T. stepped closer and added, "Don't worry Andrew; you can take your shirt off once you're in the weight room. We'll be going there next, before lunch, and we'll find out how strong you really are. Of course, I already know that you're really strong, because you successfully blocked Carl on every play!" Andrew looked relieved and Coach T led the group towards the Championship Tunnel.

  "As I was saying, before Andrew distracted me, I was very impressed with your performance on the field JP."

 

"Thank you Coach Tressel," JP said, feeling embarrassed by the coach's praise. "It's all thanks to Andrew: who gave me lots of football practice over the last few days."

"And don't forget that I wouldn't be a football player at all if Andrew hadn't trained me for it before high school!" Mike added. As they approached the Championship Tunnel, he added, "Even Carrie is here as a result of Andrew's training! He has singlehandedly turned the two of us into high school athletes!"

"Where do we go now?" Andrew asked, as they entered the Championship Tunnel.

"Carl and I will finish the stadium tour by showing you all the areas you will see during your Official Visit in the fall," Coach T. replied. 

Andrew and Mike nodded and then Coach T's whole sentence registered. "What did you just say Coach?" Andrew asked, not sure he had heard Coach T. correctly.

"I said that Carl and I will finish the stadium tour by showing you all the areas you will see during your Official Visit in the fall," Coach T. repeated with a big smile. He stepped up to Andrew and Mike and shook their hands. "Congratulations you two: you really impressed me during your on-field tryout and Ohio State would be honored to host both of you for Official Visits in the fall!"

JP, Matt and Carrie cheered for Andrew and Mike, as did Carl and his two teammates.

"Congratulations Big Guy: this is what I hoped for you when I started training you for football seven years ago," Carl said proudly.

"Thanks Carl," Andrew said gratefully. "That means a lot coming from a true Ohio State Buckeye like you. I wouldn't be where I am today without your help."

JP smiled proudly as he saw Andrew gazing at Carl with awe and appreciation.

"I only showed you the path: for one year Andrew," Carl reminded him. "You did all the hard work by yourself during Grade 10 and 11 to make sure you got to this point before Grade 12. And if you do well in college, maybe you will be a National Champion one day."

"And then you will find your Championship Year on a banner like the ones above us," Coach T. said, pointing above them.

"Wow Coach, what an amazing legacy of football glory!" Andrew shouted in awe. "When was this school's last National Championship?"

"The 2002 season Andrew, so we won the National Title about a week after New Years Day of 2003," Coach T. replied. He led everyone through the tunnel to the inner stadium side and then said, "Look up now and you'll see what I'm talking about."

Everyone looked up and Carrie and Matt took a picture.

"Now that's a great view of the banners Sir," Mike said. "Are there any other parts of the stadium where the athletic achievements of The Buckeyes are displayed?"

"You're getting ahead of me Mike, but the answer is yes," Coach T. replied. "But first, let's step out this door and see more of the future for you and Andrew."

Everyone followed him out the door and looked to their left to see a BBQ set up near a long red archway.

"Step over to the fence, and look up at the archway everyone," Coach T. said, with a big grin of anticipation. Andrew and his friends followed his orders and then looked up as Coach T. pointed at the archway canopy and shouted, "This will be your future Andrew and Mike!"

"WOW Coach!" Andrew shouted in excitement. "Is this the Private Recruit Entrance?"

"Yes it is Andrew, and in the fall, during your Official Visit, you'll come in the gate behind us," Coach T. replied. "All the Starters on the Buckeyes Football Team will be lined up under both sides of the archway to give you a warm welcome. And I will be waiting at those double doors in front of us to welcome you into the Recruits Section of Ohio Stadium for the Home Game!"

"Do you think you could demonstrate that welcome now, for both me and Mike?" Andrew asked with a cheeky grin. "JP, Matt and Carrie can stand on one side, and Carl and his two teammates can stand on the other. And you can open the doors for us."

"Good idea Andrew," Coach T agreed, motioning everyone into position.

Andrew grinned as he and Mike walked through the archway of players and into Ohio Stadium.

"Where do we stop first Coach?" Andrew asked.

"We still have more of the Stadium to see, so we will have to postpone your workout in the Weight Room until after lunch," Coach T. decided. "That way, you'll be at full strength. And the Football Weight Room is in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center." He noticed Andrew grinning with anticipation and added, "To answer your question though, I'll show you and your friends the areas of the stadium that recruits see. Follow me everyone."

He led everyone into the stadium and up to one of the plaques showing the National Championships that Ohio State had won over the last century.

"That's a good recruiting slogan Coach," Andrew realized.

"Thanks Andrew," Coach T. said gratefully. "We thought it best to emphasize the contributions future recruits could make to the team."

"Part of the Recruiting Sales Pitch, is it Coach Tressel?" JP asked.

"Yes, Mr. Maloney, it is," Coach T. replied. "But we make sure to brag about ourselves as well." He pointed to a plaque on another wall and added, "See for yourselves."

Andrew and his friends stepped closer to the plaque so that they could read it properly.

"That is certainly a good advertisement for the football program here," Mike realized. "Are those all different versions of the National Championship Rings each winning team has won over the decades?"

"That's right Mike," Coach T. confirmed. "It's not just a trophy or a Championship Jacket or a group picture. Each player on a National Championship Team gets their own ring: personalized to their finger size and the school they go to. And the last time that happened was in the 2002 Season, only two and a half years ago at the 2003 BCS National Championship Game." He stepped up to the double doors and opened them. "You can see more of The Ohio State college football glory right here: inside the Yassenoff Recruit Center."

He ushered everyone into the room, which was revealed by a sign on the wall to be one of the Recruiting Rooms. 

"That's very impressive Coach," Matt said. "The first thing future recruits see when they enter this room is a demonstration of the dominance of the Buckeyes Football Program."

"You're right Matt; we designed the room that way," Coach T. agreed. "Look at the front of the room and you'll see more."

"Well that says it all Coach," Andrew realized. "Why is that podium at the right front corner of the room?"

"It's for National Signing Day Andrew," Coach T. replied. "The whole football team and coaching staff come in here that day and we watch the signings live. And when we get new recruits, it is a celebration of new talent that will be joining The Ohio State Football Family!" Everyone clapped in excitement at Coach T's speech and he grinned at how infectious his enthusiasm was. "Sorry if I got carried away for a minute there everyone. I'll stop talking now and let you explore the Recruiting Room. If you have any questions, I'll be right here to answer them."

Andrew and his friends wandered around the room, taking a close look at the plaques on the wall.

"Hey Andrew, one of these shows the National Championships won by The Ohio State Football Team so far," JP realized.

"That is a great recruiting incentive JP," Andrew said. "It shows that my chances of getting a good number in the NFL Draft would be greatly enhanced by coming here for college football."

"Especially if you happen to win the Heisman Trophy like the guys on this poster," Mike reminded him, pointing to their right.

"Well if you won the Heisman Trophy Andrew, you'd certainly be a Number One NFL Draft Pick!" JP shouted in excitement.

"You don't even play football JP, so how would you know that?" Andrew teased him. 

"I've been studying the sport ever since my brother started," JP replied. He motioned Andrew to lean down so that he could whisper in his ear. "I had hoped that if I showed some interest in his sport, maybe it could bring us closer together. Unfortunately, that didn't happen."

"Not yet anyway," Andrew corrected him. "But since Ryan and I are friends, like you and I are, maybe I can bridge the gap between you two and bring you back together."

"I suppose it's possible, but when would you find the time to do that?" JP asked, looking confused.

"I don't know JP, maybe during Christmas Break," Andrew replied. "Anyway, let's talk about something more fun, like what we're going to do now."

"We go to the campus bookstore, where all of you can buy souvenirs from your visit here," Coach T. replied. "I know that JP already bought you an Ohio State Football Andrew, but I'm sure everyone else wants a chance to buy something for themselves."

 

"Thanks sir," Andrew said, checking his watch. "Since it's just after 11 am now, that gives us an hour before lunch."

 

"We'll take you to one of the dining halls for lunch Andrew," Carl offered. "We'd be honoured to have you and your friends sit with us."

 

"Thanks man," Andrew said gratefully, as Coach T. and the Buckeyes led him and his friends out of the stadium.

 

"Follow me to the Campus Bookstore everyone," Coach T said. "You can buy your Ohio State souvenirs there before lunch."

Everyone did that once they got there, and then they headed to the Campus Cafeteria to have lunch.

Once they got there, Andrew and JP sat down at a table, while Carl, Matt, Mike and Carrie picked up their lunch for them. Carrie and Mike sat down at the table and handed Andrew and JP their plates of food. 

“That was an amazing stadium tour Andrew,” Carrie said. “I can’t believe you were able to secure an Official Visit offer already!”

“Yes, I couldn't believe it either, but I'm glad it happened,” Andrew agreed. “I guess I'll have to wait until we visit the other NCAA schools to see if I get more Official Offers.”

"But you can only take five Official Visits in total," JP reminded him, coming up to the table. "Keep track of how many you get and let any other schools know what the count is."

"So that the count stops at five?" Andrew asked. "Shouldn't I get more offers so that I can pick and choose?"

"Don't lead any coaches on if you don't intend to take an Official Visit at their school," JP advised him. 

Andrew nodded in understanding and began to gather his utensils so that he could start eating.

Carl came over to the table, smiled, and said, “You’ll be a fine candidate to replace me in two years Andrew. I guess Coach T wasn’t exaggerating about your prowess on the football field!”

“It was a great way to test my strength against someone else, on the field this time,” Andrew said.

  “Yes it was,” Carl agreed. “It also looks like you will be an even bigger man here than at your high school. I held the record as the strongest man, with a 700 pound one rep bench-press. But it is quite clear that you're stronger than me.”

"You don't know that Carl; we haven't competed in the weight room yet," Andrew protested.

“Don’t be so modest, man,” Carl said. “You have to learn to take pride in your abilities. Besides, if you insist on being logical about this, beating me in the bench-press will be great for your scholarship offer chances.”

“I see what you mean Carl,” Andrew agreed, smiling quietly. “Okay, then I won't keep it quiet anymore: I can bench 800 pounds for a one rep maximum.”

“I believe I’d like to see that,” Carl decided. He looked around the table and added, “I’m sure your friends would like to see it too, wouldn’t they?” Everyone else agreed, so Carl said, "After lunch, when you're back to full strength, we'll test out your great strength in the weight room in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center."

 

"Good idea man," Andrew agreed, looking worried when he realized that all his friends would be watching him in the weight room. "I'm kind of worried about it though, because I've only reached 800 pounds on the bench-press once and I had Mike to help me!"

 

"Don't worry man, I'll be there to help you today also," Mike assured him. "Just like you've been there for me, starting with you training me for football years ago."

 

Andrew looked relieved and Mike grinned at him, pleased that Andrew wasn't nervous about working out in front of everyone anymore.

 

After lunch, Carl led everyone over to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and into the locker room where they got changed. Everyone then went into the weight room where Coach T was waiting.

 

"Now we separate the men from the boys," Coach T said, glancing from Carl to Andrew. "Show us your 800 pound bench-press Andrew."

 

"Yes sir," Andrew said, looking a bit nervous. "You do have enough weight plates to get me up to 800 pounds, don't you?"

"Yes we do Andrew; it's the first thing we did once we thought up this strength test for you," Coach T replied. 

"That's good Coach,"​ Andrew said gratefully, lying down on the weight bench as his friends put the extra plates on the bar. "Is everyone ready to see my one-rep max?"

"Yes we are Andrew," ​Carl replied. He held up the digital camera and added, "I am ready to capture this amazing feat for the Ohio State Website."

"Get ready to be amazed then," Andrew predicted. He grabbed the loaded​ bar with both hands and looked up at Mike. "Are you ready to be my spotter, just like in the gym last week when I first reached this personal best?"

"Yes I am Andrew," Mike replied. "Just like I have been over the last few years."

"Thanks Mike: here we go," Andrew said, before lowering the loaded bar to his massive chest with a grunt. His massive arms began trembling as he struggled to push the bar up. "This is really heavy!" he gasped.

"Come on Andrew; you can do it," Mike urged him, squatting down beside the massive form of his best friend. "Just like we practiced: take a deep breath and give it everything you've got."

Andrew nodded slowly, took a deep breath and forced the bar up with trembling arms and a loud "gaaahhh!!!" Mike went to help him rack it, but Andrew shook his head and racked it himself.

"Well done Andrew!" Mike cheered as everyone else clapped. "I knew you could do it again: proving that it wasn't a fluke last week!"

"Thanks Mike," Andrew said with a big grin as he sat up. Breathing heavily, he stood up and basked in the admiration from all his friends, who were still clapping. "Thanks for all your encouragement over the last few months everyone; without it, I don't think I would have been able to bench this much. Especially you Carl, for training me in football to start with."

"Don't underestimate your own determination and effort as you've prepared for a college football career," Carl reminded him. "I only showed you the path; you decided to walk down it."

Andrew grinned and took off his t-shirt, before it got wet from the sweat that was now beginning to bead on his upper body. "Does anyone have a towel and some deoderant?" he asked. "I'm afraid I got a bit hot and sweaty lifting that much weight."

Coach T retrieved the items for him and Andrew gratefully used them. "I have been very impressed with your performance here today Andrew; you have certainly lived up to the hype."

"Thanks Coach," Andrew said gratefully, as he put his t-shirt back on.

"I am pleased to offer you and Mike Official Visits here in the fall," Coach T said with a big grin. "Congratulations you two!"

Andrew was about to say thanks but all his friends cheered loudly for him before he could.

Only when the cheering had stopped and Coach T had shaken his hand could Andrew quietly say, "Thank you very much Coach Tressel. I would be delighted to accept your gracious invitation."

"Not more delighted than I am to offer it to you Andrew," Coach T informed him. "But your humble response to the offer proves that giving you an Official Visit in the fall is the right decision." He turned to Mike, shook his hand and asked, "And how do you feel about getting an Official Visit as well?"

"It feels great Coach and that makes Ohio State one of my top five choices," Mike replied with excitement. "And just think: none of this would have happened if Andrew hadn't coaxed me out of my shell all those years ago and trained me to become a football player."

 

“He trained you personally?” Coach T. asked, looking at Andrew with pride in his eyes.  When Mike nodded, Coach T said, "That was really great of you Andrew, helping other guys learn how to play football well enough for them to join our team."

“You’re welcome Coach,” Andrew said, lowering his head in embarrassment from all the attention. He looked up again and added, “Mike Stevenson is not the only small kid I have successfully trained to become a football player.”

“What do you mean?” Coach T asked, checking his watch.

“I trained my current teammates Ralph and Connor as well,” Andrew replied, as they began walking out of the weight room. 

“And they’ve reached scholarship level already from what I've heard!” Coach T informed him. “You must be a great Personal Trainer!”

"Well, I wouldn't know about that," Andrew said modestly. "But it seems that Mike, my first trainee, benefited from my training, so I guess I did a good enough job with him."

"Did you just say that Mike was your first trainee?" Coach T asked Andrew in astonishment. "I would never have known that by the results! He won't even have to Red Shirt if he plays here next fall, so you must have taught him a lot about football as well!"

"Well, he has been on our high school football team for three seasons," Andrew reminded Coach T as they entered the main hallway. "But what did you mean by 'Red Shirt'? I've never heard that term before."

"Probably because you've never had to do it," Coach T realized. "And I can assure you, you won't be Red Shirting, or riding the bench, during many games at our school either! If you sign with us in February of course."

"I hope I won't have to ride the bench too much," Andrew said. "I think I've got it now. Red Shirting means sitting on the bench most of the season, even though you practice with all the players." 

"That's exactly right," Coach T confirmed, as they exited the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. "Red Shirting is somewhat similar to the three month probation in most jobs."

"I get it now," Andrew said. "I'm glad that my reputation has earned me this wonderful opportunity."

"I think your reputation for athletic performance preceded your arrival at high school," Coach T said. "Coach Everson told me he came to your public school to scout you and he was very impressed with your football skills even then!"

"Well I'm glad I was able to make a good impression," Andrew said, smiling. "I only hope I can make the same positive impact on the NCAA when the time comes."

"Don't worry about that Andrew," Coach T assured him, leading them to the main Faculty Building. "Your skills and raw strength blew me away! I'm sure the other NCAA coaches will be just as impressed as I was! When you come down in the fall for your Official Visit, I'll arrange for you to attend an Ohio State home game. Maybe you can even sit on the bench with our football players! What do you think about that Andrew?"

"That sounds like a great idea Coach," Andrew said with an excited grin. "But that's in the fall. What's going to happen now?"

"You get to meet the University President, who will take you and your friends on a tour of the academic buildings," Coach T replied. "And then you get to sit in on a summer class before you go."

"That sounds like fun," Andrew said. Then he thought of something. "Does that mean that our time together is coming to an end?"

"Unfortunately yes Andrew," Coach T replied. "But I can tell you something that should cheer you up."

"And what's that?" Andrew asked, looking curious.

"The Official Visit in the fall is just for you, and so I will be very happy to come pick you up in the team jet. And if he wants to, I'll get Carl to come with me."

"That would be great Coach," Andrew said, accepting Coach T's outstretched hand for a handshake. He made sure not to squeeze too hard in his excitement. "Well, I'd better let you get back to work. Is Carl able to stick around until our tour is done?"

"Yes he is Andrew," Coach T assured him. "See you later." 

Andrew waved goodbye to his (hopefully) future Coach and followed Carl and his friends towards the President's Office.

 

Once the seven athletes reached the President's Office, they found President Holbrook waiting for them. She stood up from her desk as Andrew approached her.

 

"You must be Andrew Pearson," President H. said, coming around the desk to shake Andrew's hand. "Your father has been telling me a lot about you. I'm very pleased to meet you."

 

"Thank you Madam President," Andrew said quietly, shaking her hand gently. "It's a great honour to meet you."

 

"Thank you Andrew," the President said. "And you don't have to call me 'Madam President'; 'Ma'am' will do here. Your father tells me that you serve proudly in the Canadian Reserves."

 

"Yes I do and I see my father has been talking about me again," Andrew realized.

 

"Yes he has, and he is very proud of you Andrew," President H.said, leading them out of her office. "I'm sure you'll fit in here very well and soon feel right at home."

 

"I agree Ma'am," Andrew said, as they followed the President down the hallway. "Mike and I already do feel right at home here, and it was great that Coach Tressel offered us both Official Visits for the fall semester."

"You and Mike are phenomenal athletes Andrew; Ohio State would be honored to have you join our Starting Lineup in the fall of 2006," President H. informed him.

Andrew was rendered speechless with astonishment and it took him a couple of minutes to regain his composure so that the campus tour could begin. Andrew's friends smiled with pride: pleased that Andrew was humble enough to appreciate the awesome opportunities that awaited him in college.

Andrew and his friends were surprised when President Holbrook took them on the tour personally. But she informed them that she was happy to do it, especially after all she had heard about their athletic achievements over the years. 

 

"Consider this part of your Unofficial Recruiting Visit Andrew and Mike," she advised her two main guests.

She showed them the academic buildings, the Athlete's Dormitories, the Buckeyes Cafeteria, all the Buckeye's Sports Facilities and the band room.

Matt decided to leave out the fact that he had already seen the band room, but he enjoyed seeing the pictures of former Ohio State Band Directors that he had missed the first time.

After President Holbrook had finished the tour at one of the academic buildings, she waved goodbye and said that she looked forward to seeing them all again in the fall. The teenagers walked down the hall until they got to the classroom where Carl had his 2 pm class.

 

"Why are you taking classes in the summer?" Andrew asked Carl.

 

"I'm a TA Andrew; that stands for Teacher's Assistant," Carl replied. "We're helping some of the football players keep their academic eligibility for the fall."

 

"Well that explains it," Andrew said, as Carl led him and his friends into the classroom.

 

"You didn't think I'm a Dumb Jock who failed some classes and had to repeat them, did you Andrew?" Carl asked him with a smirk.

 

"For a minute there, yes I did," Andrew admitted, as they found their seats.

 

"Looks like you're the Dumb Jock today Andrew!" Carl teased him. 

 

"I was smart enough to get offered an Official Visit on my first Unofficial Visit," Andrew reminded him. "Were you?"

 

Carl grinned and shook his head. Then, as the other students began to arrive, he walked down the aisle towards the professor's desk at the front of the lecture hall.

 

For the next two hours, during that class and the next, Andrew and his friends learned a lot about University Level Courses. Carrie, and Matt looked confused by a lot of the subject matter, but Andrew, JP and Mike were able to grasp it fairly easily. They feigned confusion though, so that their friends wouldn't feel bad.

 

After the classes were complete at 3:45 pm, Carl led Andrew and his friends to the outdoor field where the Ohio State Marching Band was practicing.

"This is a special treat just for you Matt, just in case you end up going here," Carl said proudly.

They all stayed and listened to a couple of songs. Then they met the Band Director and some of the musicians, just for Matt.

"Thanks a lot Carl; this was great," Matt said gratefully.

"Well, this seems like a good place to end your Unofficial Visit to The Ohio State," Carl decided. "Did you all have fun?"

"You know we did Carl; thanks a lot," Andrew said gratefully. "Can we take a group picture with you before we go?"

"Good idea Andrew; I'll even set the timer so that I can be in the picture also," Carl agreed.

Carl set the timer and stood beside Andrew and his friends for the picture. He showed them the picture afterwards on the screen of his digital camera and everyone was pleased.

"I'll email you the picture Andrew, once I get it onto my laptop," Carl promised. "Then you'll have another souvenir of your visit here besides your Ohio State Football."

"Which will now be one of the five footballs on my table at National Signing Day next February," Andrew predicted.

"Good idea Andrew," Carl said. “Well, see you in the fall, man, for your Official Visit.”

“See you Carl,” Andrew said, shaking his hand. "Hopefully you can host me for that visit." 

 

Andrew's friends said their goodbyes as well, and they exchanged handshakes and backslaps with Carl. Then Carl waved goodbye and headed to his dormitory.

“They love you here Andrew!" JP shouted in astonishment. “You’re a football hero here, and you haven’t even had your Official Visit yet!”

“But it's coming in the fall and I'll bring you along,” Andrew promised him. “After this reception I definitely look forward to seeing an Ohio State Home Game.”

"That's usually the standard activity in an Official Visit Andrew," JP said, looking down at the notes he had printed out from the NCAA website. "But it's quite an honour to actually be able to sit on the team bench during the game. The Official Term for that privilege is a Sideline Pass."

"I look forward to it man," Andrew said eagerly. "But I don't want anyone else on my football team to know about that; it might make them jealous. In fact, when you meet them this weekend, don't even mention that I have received an Official Visit offer from Ohio State."

“I think that's Andrew's modesty talking,” Carrie realized. “Everyone is having to get him to take pride in his accomplishments.”

“I’m just naturally shy and quiet,” Andrew stated, "except when I get excited. Then I show off. But since it got me an Official Visit here, I guess it wasn’t a bad thing after all.”

“It wasn't a bad thing at all,” Carrie agreed, as they headed to their vehicles in the Ohio Stadium Parking Lot. “Well, see you in South Bend Andrew, for your next Unofficial Visit at the University of Notre Dame.”

Andrew waved goodbye to her, Mike and Matt as he and JP got into Andrew's truck.

“I’m very proud of you Andrew,” JP said. “You really showed a great deal of self-control when we ran into David and you didn't let it ruin your visit here.”

“Don’t worry JP, I won’t let David ruin anything during my Recruiting Journey,” Andrew assured him. “And when I beat him to win the Provincial Championship next season: that will be the last I see of David Harrington, soon to become David Pearson.”

JP grinned at Andrew's prediction of success and said that he was sure Andrew would become a great College Football Player. For his part, Andrew made a promise to himself right then and there that he would do everything he could to justify everyone’s faith in him as well.