(S32) PT 1 - Mentor

[Yeenoghu]

Although teenagers are quite headstrong, Juan Domine would try to emphasize the importance of doing well in school by relaying the story of a well-intentioned athlete that he played against almost ten seasons ago as a newcomer to the DSFL. While Domine was the most prolific tackler of the DSFL, a runningback named Crowbar Theeks was the premier rusher for the Tijuana Luchadores. In his rookie season for the Luchadores, Theeks carried the ball 337 times (over 50 carries more than any other player!), en route to a Running Back of the Year campaign. In the following offseason, both Domine and Theeks would both be selected by the Chicago Butchers, but they would never share the field--or even a locker room. Both players stayed in the DSFL for another season, once again anchoring their teams from their respective positions. However, the cracks were already beginning to appear for Theeks. Though he would still rush for 1,000 yards on the season, he was largely outclassed by rookie Bronko Mills. Theeks would never play again in the DSFL or ISFL, instead quietly exiting football a season later. Theeks' 'flash in the pan' moment serves as a reminder to all aspiring athletes that one's time in the league is never a given, regardless of your talent. The truth is that much of an athlete's success can be attributed to factors outside of their control--avoiding injury, having the right coaching staff, or just plain old luck. While it's a great goal to have, becoming a professional athlete is very unlikely, so having a stable backup plan is crucial to having a successful career outside of the game.