City Runners
by
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The team stepped off the bus and right into the middle of cross country racing. It was a fairly cool September morning. The temperature was about 75 degrees, but Reggie knew it would probably climb to 85 by the 9 o’clock start. The green fields that made up the park were covered with the brightly colored uniforms of the different teams that would be competing. Some of those team members were busy assembling and erecting tents that would serve as the headquarters for their team that day. Other runners casually tossed around Frisbees or relaxed on blankets. The boys stood on a hill overlooking the team camps and were completely amazed.
“I thought we were the only ones,” T. J. commented to no one in particular.
“What?” Brandon asked.
“The whole time we were running and training, I thought we were the only ones. I didn’t think anyone else could be crazy enough to run mile after mile for nothing. I know Mr. Freeman talked about takin’ us to races and stuff, but I figured there wouldn’t be many other kids there. Look at this place,” T. J. said with his jaw agape.
“I hope no trouble breaks out,” Taiyon said. “They don’t have nearly enough police to hold these people down.”
“Unless you guys are the source of the trouble,” Mr. Fish broke in, “there ain’t gonna be no riot. Now let’s head down to the johns. Mr. Freeman wanted all bathroom needs taken care of.”
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About the Book
He was given a classroom full of twenty-two troubled young men. They wanted him to teach them as much as he could and keep them from killing each other. Reggie Freeman had a whole different agenda. He wanted to change their lives.
Reggie brought with him some donated shoes, a love for running, and his own demons to conquer. He then set about trying to bring discipline, determination, and, most importantly, hope to a group of boys most had written off as lost. One important question remained: Would Reggie Freeman get through to them, or would they show him that some boys weren’t meant to be saved?
About the Author
Larry Hinders currently resides in Herndon, Virginia with his wife and three daughters. He is an English teacher at Park View High School in Loudoun County, where he also coaches cross country and track. Hinders earned both his B.A. in English and his Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degrees from Mary Washington College.
City Runners relies heavily on the experiences Hinders gained over the 17 years he was a teacher and coach in rural Caroline County, Virginia. Hinders hopes to accomplish two goals with his first novel. The first is to provide hope and motivation for young adults who are struggling to find their way. The second is to draw young people to the wonderful sport of distance running.