Eddie, The Sophomore YearEddie, Mark, and the tribe are no longer at the bottom of the high school food chain. They have proven themselves on the track and off. Expanding their horizons, the tribe tries out for football during the Autumn semester, which does not sit well with the rest of the football team. Some of the football players wish the track athletes never set foot on the football field. But, track and field still remains to be the tribe's greatest strength.This year, Kathy finds out that women, under certain circumstances, may participate on the men's sports teams. Kathy decides that she wants to try out for the track team. Kathy's discovery infuriates Mr. Crum, the principal, who retaliates against the women who try out for the team. While the women are trying out for the track team, Mr. Crum starts an all-out war with Mr. Zunde, the athletic director and the track coach, Mr. Frazier. The contention within the administration escalates throughout the school year, but does not end there. Mr. Crum finds every way possible to interfere with the track team, going so far as to suspending Eddie and sending Braden to detention.The Spring track season brings a heightened controversy with the return of Paul Mahoney, who is back in school to complete his senior year. Mahoney tries out for the track team, which does not sit well with Kathy. During the Spring track season, Mark messes with McCutchen on a new level. A few other team members join in and participate in the psychological warfare that seems to have become fun and games at the track meets. With the team is having a successful season, Mr. Crum steps up his interference with athletics. But, even with all the obstacles thrown in the way by Mr. Crum, Mr. Frazier manages to get a few athletes to the State invitational meet. At the end of the school year, Mr. Zunde throws the discus over Mr. Crum's head, warning the principal to refrain from interfering with athletics. The incident with the discus, however, sets the stage for more heated controversy in the future.The Summer brings a more relaxed atmosphere for the tribe. A very heated rivalry begins, leading to Eddie and Tessa racing in the pool. Kathy, who will be a senior next year, pulls an early senior prank. With Eddie's help, Kathy buys her first car. Kathy, however, has to explain to her parents how she left in the morning one day, and returned in the evening with an automobile. Right before the school year begins, Kathy does the unthinkable and decides to go into the future and buy her school wardrobe.