Running Loose - Book Review

Crutcher, C. (1983). Running Loose. NY: Greenwillow Book

It’s senior year for Louie Banks and he has worked very hard for his starting spot on the varsity football team.  There is high hopes for this season as the team is preparing to have a successful season for another state championship.  Louie also has the prettiest new cheerleader as his girlfriend, Becky.  Things are looking great until a transfer move-in player, Washington, is now a threat on the opposing team.  Louie’s coach tells the team to “take him out” and encourages them to play dirty which Louie protests.  During the game, a teammate takes a dirty shot at Washington and Louie loses his temper.  He yells at the refs and ultimately gets himself kicked off the team.  This is devastating for Louie.  It has been tough to loose football, but Louie’s world is crushed when he hears his girlfriend, Becky, is killed in a car accident.  Louie is able to make it through the tragedy with his family’s support but he still needs an outlet.  Coach Madison see’s Louie is in need and asks if he would run cross-country.  With the help of Coach Madison pulling some strings with administration, Louie is able to participate as long as he is not by any teammates.  Louie ends up racing against Washington, the player he refused to play dirty against and although Louie does not advance past regionals, he is able to use running in other ways. 

As a sport lover, I really enjoyed the message the novel sends with the love and need of sports in a young person’s life.  Sometimes a kid needs the sport more than the sport needs them.  I am always a fan of a story where a coach or teacher steps in and advocates for a student.  These are powerful positions and leave such an impact on a young person’s life.  Although I liked the message, I was disappointed with our protagonist’s decision making in the novel.  I was rooting for Louie to make better decisions and be a bigger person. 

Chris Crutcher is the author to many novels and several sports novels.  His website includes a teacher tab for literary discussions to his works.  You may find this information on this link:  http://www.chriscrutcher.com/