The Grappler

Book excerpt: Jamal Hayes is fifteen and caught up in the wrong stuff in Chicago. Because his mother cannot take care of him, he is sent to live with his grandfather in Memphis. Pop is old-school in every way. From the moment he arrives in Memphis, Jamal knows that Pop means business and that he will have to do his best to win his respect. As a way to get out of the work his grandfather lines up for him daily, Jamal goes to wrestling practice one afternoon. He is worn out after his first practice and really sore the next morning, but he also has a feeling of accomplishment and he respects the coach. Led by Coach Zane Russo, the wrestling team and its practices are tough, but Jamal knows that he has found something that he is good atwhere he can succeed. Every day, Jamal endures the work and finds his niche, landing in the 152 finals of the Freshman City Championships. As he becomes stronger and better at wrestling, his relationship with his grandfather improves. The future looks better and better for Jamalbut can it continue?