I’ll be attending in my Assistant Manager capacity this evening.
I have the outline of a little speech prepared as follows:
"Well, boys … I haven’t a thing to say. Been playing great games…all of you. Great games.
(I try to smile.)
I guess we just can’t expect to win ‘em all.
(I pause and say quietly…)
I’m going to tell you something I’ve kept to myself for years – None of you ever knew George Gipp. It was long before your time. But you know what a tradition he is at TFK…
(There is a gentle, faraway look in my eyes as I recall the boy’s words.)
And the last thing he said to me – “Bandage,” he said - "sometime, when the team is up against it – and the breaks are beating the boys – tell them to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper…
(My eyes will become misty and my voice will be unsteady as I finish…)
I don’t know where I’ll be then, Bandage", he said - “but I’ll know about it - and I’ll be happy.”
(There will be a hushed stillness as myself and the crowd of players look at each other. In the midst of this tense silence, I will quietly say “Alright,” to the men beside me, and my wheelchair will be wheeled slowly out of the dressing room.)
(Rocko will then shout…)
“Well, what are we waiting for?”
With a single roar, the players will throw off their shackles and rush through the doorway.
They will win tonight for the Gipper.
