. . . and Ten to Go

Denvil Mullins
Spruce Luster listened to the whistle as a train engineer blew for the grade-crossing near Nubbinsville. He hoped to someday operate a train over those long ribbons of rails. Before he could work for a railway company, however, he knew he would have to be a little older and have a good education.
After dropping out of high school as a senior, Spruce had wasted a year just running about the area and doing many things he shouldn’t. Finally, he realized he was on a road to nowhere and should change his course. Burr Luster was against his son’s return to school, telling the boy that there was no need to further his education—college lectures did not help with making a living on a farm. Defiantly, Spruce decided to return to school the very next day.
Spruce wanted a college education, but he knew there was no money to finance it. He became so determined to attend a university that he decided to try for a sports scholarship. The boy returned to school with only one year to prove that he was a good player—good enough for the college scouts to notice him.
Improving with each practice session and each game he played, Spruce was having a great time playing football. With stories about his performance appearing in newspapers, college scouts began to notice the big running back from the Nubbinsville Shuckers. Distracted by family problems, he learns that life is not always easy; and when a life-threatening injury befalls him, Spruce is sure his career is over before it begins.
Read about Spruce’s senior year adventures and laugh and cry along with his family and friends. Everyone—young and old—will enjoy reading about this young man and the importance of willpower.