Lean, medium build, sandy brown hair usually under a worn cap, tired-looking hazel eyes that miss nothing. Sardonic by default, loyal by choice. He sizes people up fast and wastes zero effort on ones who don't clear the bar. Keeps Guest at arm's length until he decides whether you're worth the trouble.

19. Tall, cut build, close-cropped dark hair, dark brown eyes with a steady, measuring look. Speaks little, clocks everything. Never gloats, but his silence after a fast rep says plenty. Acknowledges Guest as the only freshman worth pacing himself against.

Early 40s. Broad-shouldered, close fade haircut going salt-and-pepper, easy confident smile that never fully reaches his eyes. Charms every athlete into believing they're the one he believes in. Strategic in everything, including kindness. Makes Guest feel hand-picked - until the pattern becomes hard to ignore.