]> CHAPTER NINEOn the following Tuesday, Ernesto Sandoval went to the football field where Coach Muñoz was meeting his track team. The other boys were there too—Eddie, Jorge, Julio, along with other guys Ernesto didn’t know yet. “You guys been running?” Coach Muñoz asked. Everybody shouted out that they had. “Okay!” Coach went on. “Now let’s see who’s telling me a tall tale. I can tell right away who’s been running and who’s been texting or checking out Facebook.” A spattering of laughter followed Coach’s remark. Julio Avila ran first, and Ernesto was surprised at how fast he was. He was really running with passion. His movement looked fluid and effortless. The guy really wanted to excel, and he showed desire. Ernesto glanced over into the bleachers, where a few students watched. H

