Claude Philips

Claude Steven Philips is the son of Dr Quinton Philips, and a professional NOL player for the Begs Ragers. Claude in a season beat his fathers All Run Metres, Try record and tackle count. Claude was seen as a true professional in the NOL and in the 'real' world. Claude later retired from the NOL and became a teacher.

Young Life
From a young age, Claude was always kicking around a footy with his dad. He decided one day that he would play in the reserve grade at school. It was noted by Phil Davis that he could in-fact play a great game of Oztag. "Quinton. He's a good player. He has a fiery side- step and a good fend.. He could play in the NOL.." "He can do whatever he wants. He plays in the reserve grade team in Hume, they said he could be a great. I think he'll take after his old man" "Quinton, you may not have gotten the dream send off you wanted, but at least let him have a go.." Quinton smiled and said "His future is in his hands.. Not mine.." After 3 years of playing for the school Claude was offered a contract.

NOL Debut
As Quinton was talking to Claude his 19 year old son, to make sure he was safe during his time in the NOL. Quinton said "Claude. Stay safe out there. And keep the family close as possible. Your career could be over in a matter of minutes out there." "Thanks dad. I think I can handle it." "I trust you can son. Rip 'em up tiger." Quinton sat on the sideline and watched his son run onto the field. "And making his debut for the Colts is Dr Quinton's son Claude Philips, who has endured a long road to be here. He suffered serious hand injuries keeping him out of the running for debut in recent seasons. But to the coach of the U20s he could beat his fathers Try scoring record of 166, and 307 games. That he shares with 3 people." Claude scored 6 tries, and broke Quinton's all run metres in his first game and defeated the record that was held before. They won the game 70-10, which broke all previous records for the Colts.

Later Seasons
Claude had definitely been a better NOL player then his old man was. But Claude never let it get to his head. Claude had won 2 premierships with the Ragers and earned a 4 year extension of his contract at the age of 25. Claude had even seen his dad sitting in the crowd at most of his games. Claude managed to also surpassed the record for games played in a row, from 100, to 250+. Claude played 270 first grade games, before a season ending hip injury, caused him to slow down in his running time. He fought hard to get back into first grade, but was stuck in reserve grade until he could overcome that. For 5 months after his injury had stopped his career, Claude took time off from the NOL and went back home. Claude decided to study, incase he would never return to first grade. Claude was talking to his father and said "Dad, how did you cope with the injuries.. And the time off?" "Listen, I retired twice from the NOL. In fact they made the season cut from 60 games a season to 50, for the ones on long term injuries. I didn't deal with them very well. But you can fight this.." "Dad I broke my hip, and lost most of my speed. I'm stuck with the reggies.." "Reggies is good for you at this time. Trust me you'll make it back.. Just give it time."

Return To First Grade
After 2 years playing in reserve grade Claude was finally called back into first grade. Claude had regained his speed and his confidence. He had finally healed up from his hip injury and he was finally living his dream again. He was now 27 and was not about to give it up again. At the end of the final year of his contract he made the decision on his playing future.

Retirement From NOL
"Dad have you got a moment?" Claude said before Quinton walked out the door. "I have several. What's the matter?" Claude sat down and said "I can't keep on playing in the NOL. Dad my hip won't last another season of hell.." "What did your surgeon say?" "He said I could. Only if I took injections before playing.. What about your opinion dad?" Claude passed his new x-rays to Quinton and Quinton said "I suggest you do. But that is up to you son. It's your choice.." "Then keep your eyes on the TV or radio. I'm making a decision on my future today. They are offering a 3 million dollar 6 year contract.." Quinton then said "Your happiness is more important then money." "Yeah, I guess you are right. My hip doesn't feel the way it used to.." "Listen, if you do injure your hip again, you will either: be in continuous pain, or never walk properly again. The choice is yours my dear boy.. Look I have to go to work. See you later.." "You to.." Claude later drove to Ragers HQ and spoke to the CEO. "Claude you should be training, why are you late? What's the problem" "Get the crew together, and a camera and a press conference.. My decision to play on will be made today?" The CEO said "You're good for doing this you know.." "I know. They need to hear it from me first.. Through the real media conference.." 10 minutes later, Claude sat down with his coach and his team in the background. Back at the school Quinton was in his office and he turned on the TV. Claude then said "I thank you for coming here today. It is with a heavy heart, that I announce my retirement from the National Oztag League, effective immediately." Claude then said "I played 320 games with the one club, and after a discussion with multiple surgeons and my family I decided the damage done to my hip was career ending.." "What type of damage was done to your hip Claude?" said a reporter. "Acetabula fracture.. Meaning a fracture of the hip socket not the hip itself. I was warned further damage could render my hip damaged permanently or nerve damage. And with my age I decided this choice was the lesser of two evils.." "Did your father have a say in your decision?" "He did, but at the end of the day I am the one sitting here. Not him. I made the decision to end my career the best way possible.. With 3 premierships." Claude then stood up and left the room, nodding at his team and the coach. Quinton then smiled and turned off the TV. Later that night it was all over the news. "Breaking News from the Ragers camp as young gun retires. Over to sport guru Richie Swimmer for more. "After 320 games in the NOL, Young Gun Claude Philips, announced his retirement from the NOL, after an ongoing hip injury, caused him to hang up the boots. Son of Dr Quinton Philips, Claude played 270 consecutive games before the horrific injury saw him off the field for two years. We caught up with him after he left his conference." The story then went to Claude talking to Richie. "Claude, how is the hip after this season?" "Not the same. I lost the speed I had first when I started.." "Was the choice actually yours to retire? Or were you scared of the future?" "The choice was mine. Even though all medical support pointed toward retirement. But it was my decision.." "Do you know what you're going to do next?" "I'm going to study." "And become what?" "A business man. I don't know. Watch this space over the next couple of years.." Claude walked away and the interview ended. Claude returned home when Quinton was cooking dinner. "How you feelin' son?" "Better that's off my chest now. I didn't know how you did it twice.." "Three times. I retired from medicine and had a press conference.." "Heh. Tough.." "You lied you know. I could tell you wanted to say I was one of the reasons." "I know dad. But.. I chose not to.."

Reigniting A Career
Claude finished studying at Begs Uni, and went into Teaching at Begs High School. Claude joined his father as a teacher. Claude went into teaching music at the High School. "We welcome Claude Philips as a new teacher to the high school. He is joining the Music Crew in the CAPA faculty." Claude waved hi and smiled to the PD crew before walking off. Quinton pulled Claude aside and said "Why here. Why here Claude?" "I refused to go anywhere else.. But look, I'm not going to get in your way.." "That doesn't matter. Just remember not all kids here like music. They're either Science or PE kids. Some are history kids. We haven't had music taught in the senior years for 10 years.." "Maybe I can change that.." "Good luck with that.." Two days later a meeting was held with all the subjects on lines. "So.. Music for the first time in a decade." said Gary. "And what other subjects are running." "We have 2 PD classes, 3 SLR classes, A music class, History, Geography, Maths, English and Legal." Quinton said "How many people are doing music?" "10 Quinton... Tell Claude." "I heard.." Claude said "That's something I wanted to let you all to figure out. I'm new. I'm the one people want to have a teacher.."

Another School
Claude received a phone call from the head of BTEC. "Claude, you have been offered to live and work in Canada. You've been noticed by the CTEC (Canadian Teaching Education Center). They would like you on their Music Team." "I've only been working here for a year. How do they know about me?" "Just magic." Claude hung up and called every teacher to the conference room. "What are we doing here Claude?" said Phil. "I've been offered a permanent job in Canada." "You what?" said Quinton. "I've agreed to take it." "You've been working here for a year.." said Quinton. "Yes I know dad. But this is my break." "What do we tell the kids?" "I'll tell them you wont.." Claude then heard the bell for assembly. "My call. I'm first up." "What school?" said Kari. Claude then said "Hunting Skills High.." "We did our transition there. You're in good hands." Claude walked all the way down to the bottom, were assemblies were held. Claude took the mic and said "I know there are rumours going around about me going to Canada. Those rumours are in fact true. I have accepted to live and work in the Canadian High School Music Department.. I'm sorry to those who just started to enjoy senior music with me, but my career is expanding. And I have chosen to take a new step in my life." Claude waved one last goodbye, signed out for the last time. He was later invited back for dinner. Claude sat down at his table with Kari, Quinton and Michelle. Claude was then given the mic and he said a few words. "Even though I have been only here for a year, I have made a great bunch of friends. You guys are the best and you show the kind and caring compassion everyone needs for a job like this." "We're pleased to give this plaque for your services, so please be welcome to come back at any stage." Claude smiled and said thanks. "I really thank you guys for being around me for this year. I've never felt more wanted. And I thank you.."

In Canada
Claude landed in Canada and went to his new house. He was greeted by the Principal of Hunting Skills. "Joseph Hunter, principal of Hunting Skills." "Claude Philips. Your new teacher." "Ah yes, I heard a lot about you. You can fill out a hall for just a music performance." "That's true. Ever so true. I once made someone deaf with a performance of Fur Elise." "I hear your the sporty type? You played in the NOL." "I retired from the NOL. Hip injury." "Very nasty sounding one at that. That's how you became a teacher?" Claude put his hands on his head and said "Maybe I'll tell the full story, some other time?" Joseph nodded and then said "Hope you bought gloves, a hat and a coat. It gets to -39 in winter. -48 wind chill." As he said while walking out the door. Claude unpacked and got his house into a homey feeling. This was a new lease on life for Claude. Claude then said "Well. I wanted to move somewhere. And how to learn to live somewhere else." Claude 3 years later had awards on his walls and around the home, he was one proud teacher.

Dad Visiting
Quinton had landed in Canada and saw his son waiting for him. "I thought you were joking about the long service leave. Glad to see you came, but who took over your job?" "Your mother did." as they walked to the car, Quinton then said "How you doing son? It's been a long couple of years." "Good dad. I've won all sorts of awards, been to Asia and seen the world. Moving to the other side of the world was the best choice I ever made. Getting that email changed my life." Quinton smiled as they pulled into the driveway, he then saw his house, and his jaw dropped. "Not to mention. The pay is better for me. This was most of the NOL retirement fund. The rest was mine. It reminds me of home." "It's beautiful son." "Thanks dad." Quinton and Claude walked inside and Quinton looked around to see al his awards. "Yale, UNE, Harvard. You definitely went places my dear boy." "I studied the more I got older. Those I went to in the Hip injury off season. That's why I was never around. I was studying to see where life took me." "Well. It was the right choice." "As well as my short career here, I've managed to become the year advisor and the head of music. I know the working inside and out the way is a lot easier then I thought." "Just wait, until you've been teaching for as long as I have." Later that night Quinton was checking his social medias and read on his school website 'Teaching Legend Visits Son' was the headline. Quinton chuckled and logged off his computer and went to sleep. He woke the following morning and was still in bed at the time Claude walked in. "So dad, the 'Teaching Legend' can't keep out of the headlines." "That happens a lot. You'd be used to it." "I am. Here follow me." Quinton followed Claude to his study room and he turned on the light, showing newspaper clippings and photos, some containing Quinton. "These are all of the articles and photos. From me being around you, and me being here. So that they are one type that bring me closer to home." "Are you homesick?" "Not so much sick, I just miss home. Listening to you and watching that tribute video you did for the girl who died of Bat-Ant-Bites Disease, and making a foundation of that disease from scratch can prove you are my hero. And I miss that." Quinton smiled a wide smile and said "That disease is very quick. Especially if you don't get it treated in time."

Awarded
Claude was saying goodbye to Quinton as Quinton left to the airport. Claude later returned to work at the school. Claude was awarded for his services to the school. "Today we award one of the hardest workers in the country. Making sure he is always helping our or making sure everyone is ok. We award this award to Mr. Claude Philips. Who decided to give up his sporting career to go into the wonderful career of teaching." Claude walked up and said a few words. "It was a long and good career, to finish it at the age of 27. I played and managed to beat the game record, running record and managed to win 3 premierships. The teaching gig was a backup plan. And now I am living it. Living the dream. I've represented my state, my country and my people. I've also represented the schools I've worked in. Which is two. I love my family and this job. I wouldn't change it for the world. It's a great thing!" Claude stepped down.

Returning Home
Claude had been contacted by his father, Dr Quinton. "Son. It' me. I'd like to bring you back for a year to do a exchange." "I thought you were a PE teacher dad not a principal." "You don't read the paper anymore? I became the deputy a long time ago. We're having one last exchange in the department, because we no longer have the numbers to do music. It's the world around us now, the senior music will either no longer exist and we will have unhappy musicians. I have to stop this from happening. and the way is to get one more person to get these kids interested in music." "Fine. I'm coming. Home." A couple of weeks later Claude was back in Begs, at Begs High. "Dad." "Son." "Come we'll talk in my office." Claude and Quinton sat in his office and began talking. "So, what's changed dad? I heard mum died, it was on the news, your eulogy was amazing. I'm so sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral, we were all camping in the Rockies.." "It's okay son, she would've wanted you not to be there. Now as I said we're about to lose one of the music staff due to illness and they decided to leave. As soon as we said you were coming for exchange numbers shot up. I guess the older music teachers are always the boring ones." "It's their fault then. They choose to teach music and they knew what they were getting into. This school has around 600 students and ones in Canada have 1,000. We have the sports type, music and drama."