Over the End Line (24 page)

On Saturday, police discovered Erik Maako, a defensive standout, in the woods behind his home, in a scene described as ritualistic. A toxicology report isn't expected for weeks, but preliminary evidence suggests a self-administered poisoning.

Maako's death follows that of Kyle Saint-Claire and Jonathan Fehey, who fatally jumped from a local bridge, one week apart. While citing athletic pressure and adolescent angst as possible triggers, school officials were unsure of why these students would have been so affected, and why now.

"Kyle, Jonny, and Erik had tremendous skill on the soccer field and strong affection for one another that brought success to the team," said athletic director George Meiers in a statement. "They were good students in the classroom and decent kids away from school. We will remember them that way."

Meiers then announced the creation of an award, named in memory of the three teammates, to be presented each season to the soccer team's most valuable player.

That, however, is little consolation for a town that has become all too familiar with mourning the loss of its best and brightest. As the first-period bell rang on Monday morning, classmates at Millburn High crowded around an anonymous letter posted in the main hallway that seemed to capture their collective grief.

It read, in part: "A friend was recently taken away from me. Someone who was loved immensely; someone who loved back just as much. My heart cries out. No one will ever truly understand what my friend meant to me. That is the real tragedy..."

The latter half of the 1970s were heady days for American soccer fans. In 1975, the New York Cosmos pulled off one of the most important player signings in sports history, luring Pele—the most recognizable athlete, if not human being, on earth—from his native Brazil. Interest in the North American Soccer League exploded, while the Cosmos instantly became the NASL's flagship franchise.

As a teen growing up a short drive from Giants Stadium, home to the Cosmos, I celebrated the team's Soccer Bowl championships in '77 and '78, and marveled at watching many of the world's greatest soccer players in a Cosmos uniform, including Carlos Alberto, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia, Vladislav "Bogie" Bogićević, Dennis Tuert, Johan Neeskens, Andranik Eskandarian, and Americans Shep Messing and Ricky Davis.

Yet it was the 1978 World Cup finals that elevated the game of soccer to ethereal heights for me. As this was before ESPN and other cable sports channels, the Internet, or any coverage on regular television, I had to wait for my issue of
Sports Illustrated
to read about Argentina's magnificent 3-1 victory over Holland. I can still remember turning to the cover story and seeing the photograph of Mario Kempes in his céleste and white #10 jersey, arms outstretched, confetti at his cleats, celebrating the first of his two goals. It was an image I would never forget.

***

Over the End Line,
however, is about more than just soccer. The novel touches upon serious issues that, I hope, will have the reader think about the meaning of friendship, the power of the celebrated athlete, and the interactions between teen guys and girls.

This was a difficult novel to write. I am indebted to my intrepid editor, Karen Grove, who helped draw out of me the story as I envisioned it, and who showed virtuous patience when the going was painfully slow. I also want to thank my agent, Susan Schulman, who remains a positive influence on my work, and a few of my high school soccer teammates—Jeff S., Steve H., Bill B., Bobby T.—whose memories of our practices, opponents, and on-the-field specifics were much clearer than mine. And, of course, to Alisa, Elizabeth, my sister Jennifer, and all my friends and family whom I mentioned in my previous novel,
Pinned,
I, again, offer my most sincere appreciation for your support.

Finally, I thank my mother. I could write more, but a thousand pages of words wouldn't do justice to all that she has sacrificed over the past forty-four years to allow me the opportunity to reach every goal I ever imagined. I am grateful and proud to be her son.

Alfred C. Martino
September 2008