“What’s that, coach?”
“I think you’re ready.”
“For tomorrow, Astrid?”
“Of course. But more.”
“Districts?”
“Districts for sure; I’m even thinking state, ladies!”
“Really, coach?” a wide smile overspread Shell’s face.
“Really, Astrid?” asked the other three with three wide smiles.
“Really,” Astrid confirmed. “Today, Jaspar; your four-thirty? It’s competitive. And all of you beat four.fifty . A new plateau, my Hosmeys! When I’m back next Christmas, bet I’ll see your names on that plaque.”
* * * *
Toward the end of practice, an hour later, something remarkable occurred. Several guys on the squad often pestered Coach Winter to ask Astrid to demonstrate one of her several track and field specialties. He’d agree now and again. (By mid-April, a typical Perot “demo” grew from a small mast
