Team after team, the endurance race pressed on. No car came anywhere close to beating us. Hopes were high. But when it was all over, the maroon and white competitors from Texas had the highest overall score, and my team, the boys in blue took second in the annual hybrid race car competition.

“Not next year.” Stephen, our team rookie, sulked out loud.

Lance, the team captan glared at Stephen, then with a disappointed but knowing grin, he looked over at the coach and said. “Was I really like that last year?”

“You’ve come a long way,” the coach responded, his face changing from concerned to encouraged as he also looked at Stephen then back to Lance. “I expect to hear great things about you’re career.”

Most crews went over to congratulate the winning team. “Great design! Impressive driving. I’d love to see your finite element analysis for your suspension.”