Ira was a good student, however, his achilles heel was gymnastics. He was able to muddle through sit-ups, push-ups and maybe even a pull-up or 2, but the test of his strength and endurance with the rings, horse, rope climbing, balance beam, etc., were extremely difficult.
At the end of his Junior year at Niles North, Ira had to pass rope climbing, just to take home a D- grade. He felt hopeless, how was he going to manage to pass gym.
On the day of the test, Ira arrived dressed in the gymnasium about a half hour early. All he could do is stare at the rope that was hanging from the beams above. He shook his head, not sure whether to stay or leave. As he turned back towards the boys locker room, Ira was met by Rick Zin, a super athlete who was as nice as he was talented. "You got to climb that today to pass?" he asked. Ira looked down at the floor and just nodded. Rick continued, "How 'bout I get the ladder, when Coach comes in you can reach up one arm and you're done." Ira smiled with relief .
That's how it went down. Rick grabbed the ladder from the equipment closet, Ira climbed to the top and secured the rope around his right leg and left hand. The ladder was returned and out of site by the time Coach Bauer came in. With a loud grunt, Ira reached up and grabbed the top of the rope. "Good job Stone," Coach shouted. 'Did I pass? I don't have to do it again do I?" Ira responded and smiled when he heard, "You Passed!"
Neither Rick nor Ira ever mentioned it again and only saw each other in common classes, but Ira never forgot his kindness.
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