In Running Loose, sports play a central role. Louie is a rising football star, and the town of Trout is deeply invested in its football team. Louie remarks, “This is a real football town” (41), noting that all the shops close on game days. An ex-athlete himself, Chris Crutcher conveys the message that sports are a positive force that can bring people together and shape athletes’ identities. Football gives Louie a sense of purpose, motivating him to train throughout the summer before his senior year and to look forward to a winning season and championship team. Sports also allow him to spend time with the team and his best friend, Carter. In Chapter 11, Coach Madison highlights this by telling Louie, “Football’s a good sport. There really are some good things to learn from it” (76).

Sports are also a means to navigate difficult times. After Louie is banned from participating in interscholastic activities, he acknowledges that Carter “kept [him] feeling okay about [himself] without the help of sports” (86). Being a starting football player in a small town grants social status and is a large part of who Louie is. When he quits football, Louie has to figure out who he is without the football team.