Our high school team made it into the finals for the first time in my varsity career. I'm a senior this year, so this opportunity to win with my high school would be my last chance. My father has asked the coach to spend extra time with me. To make sure I don't crack under the pressure. My father has always been a hard ass but he took it to new lengths the day he just showed up at my coach's office the day we advanced to the championship round.
This is my story:
After all the guys had taken a shower and the team was heading home. My father and I walked into my coach's office.
"Coach Tim, can I have a word?" My dad said sternly.
"Hello Mr. Reed, hey Brett. Take a seat guys, what's up?" Coach responded.
Coach Tim was an older man, about 60, possibly younger with greying hair. Good frame.
"I need to make something clear." My dad said as he inched to the edge of his seat.
"My son is eighteen years old now, a senior. This is the first time he's made it to the finals. I need to make absolute sure he won't fail. He must win, Coach."
"What exactly would you like me to do Mr. Reed?" Coach Tim said.
"I want you to take away the pressure that my son his facing. There is a lot, Coach. I want you to do whatever it takes to make sure that Brett is calm and relaxed going into these finals."
Coach Tim looked at my father and then he looked at me.
"I know a way." Coach Tim said.
"It's something my coach taught me, but it's a pretty unorthodox method of stress relief."
"I don't care if you have to hypnotize him. He must be one-hundred percent ready for the finals."
Coach Tim raises his eyebrows and taps his desk. I remain silent.
"Well, if you have the time we can begin right now. Shouldn't take more than an hour." Coach Tim said.
"An hour? That's all?" My father responds.
"Well, yes. This would be the first stage. We can do it right now if you'd like Brett." Coach asks.
Finally I get the chance to speak.
"Sure, I'd be okay with that." I said.
"We're going to need to be in private for this, Mr. Reed." Coach said.
"Sure, whatever you need, Coach."
"Just come by in an hour and we should be about finished." Coach replies.