Athletics Books

A Season with Dick Bennett, an inside look at Bennett's Wisconsin basketball team during the 1996-1997 season, is outstanding. I'm sure many people looking at this review have no idea who Dick Bennett was. This is unfortunate, as Bennett was a terrific coach who did not get the publicity of, say, Bobby Knight or Dean Smith. Ferris does a terrific job of introducing the Dick Bennett to the reader. The book is somewhat similar to Feinstein's Season on the Brink,although not quite as good. (To be sure, the subject is a far more sympathetic figure).

Ferris, a coach himself, gives the reader a revealing look at Dick Bennett, not only as a basketball coach, but more importantly as a husband, father, and mentor to his players. Bennett, while not as well known as Bobby Knight or Dean Smith, was one of the best coaches in the game. He would take a less than superb Wisconsin team to the Final Four three years later. In this book, he is portrayed as both an excellent coach and an outstanding, if flawed, human being. Most readers will , as I did, come to the conclusion that Bennett is as good a person as Ferris portrays him. Bennett is proof that a coach does not have to be a boor (e.g. Bobby Knight) to win at the Division I level.

The reader will also appreciate Ferris' inclusion of a glossary, as some of the terms used in the book were fairly technical and might not be understood by a casual basketball fan. Basketball coaches, whether high school or college, will gain from studying Bennett's philosophy. My only complaint with Ferris is that he does not ask the Badger players how they feel about playing for Coach Bennett. Without that perspective, I felt the portrayal of Dick Bennett was incomplete. Nevertheless, I still recommend this book.

One sequel I'm sure many Badger fans would love to read: the story of Bennett leading Wisconsin to their miraculous run to the Final Four in 2000. Given the relative lack of talent on that team, the word miraculous is not an overstatement.

This book provides a great portrait of an educator dedicated to excellence. Coach Bennett provides the author with intimate access to not only his team, practices, games, and staff meetings, but inside his own life and thought processes. What is exposed is a man dedicated to faith, family, and dedication to excellence. His strong Christian values are reflected in the five intangible concepts stressed to his team: Humility, Passion, Unity, Servanthood, and Thankfulness. Of particular interest is the role of faith through the tough times a highly competitive season brings, dealing with the anger and disappointment that can result, then using those situations as a catalyst for change and improvement. A chapter "Prepare To Succeed By First Eliminating Failure" is must reading for any dedicated basketball coach. His feelings on the down side of personal competitiveness and the skewing of personal priorities are outstanding reflections. In a time where coaching has become in many instances style over substance, Coach Bennett's team concepts and personal toughness in the face of adversity reveal the substance of a champion on and off the court. His insights on Indiana's Bob Knight during their preparation to compete are interesting as well. Eric Ferris's book provides the reader with an intimate look at the competitive toughness needed to succeed in major college basketball. Anyone who liked "Bob Knight, His Own Man", John Wooden's "Reflections On A Lifetime", and "The Smart Take From the Strong" will love this book.

This is one of those gems you get lucky on, stumbling across it at the local bookstore. That's what happened to me last week and I haven't put the book down since buying it.

Moore has a fantastic eye for detail and depth, and a wonderful ear for verse. For those of you who think all of the great stories in college athletics happen at Notre Dame or your local Division I university, I suggest you get this book.

Moore chronicles life at a Division III university (Chapman) in Southern California. Proving that a good story can be found anywhere, Moore tells the intersting tales of coaches and athletes at a small college. Like D-I athletes, they hit game-winning home runs, have great successes, and experience disappointing failures. There are many heart rendering stories to be told at any athletic venue, and Moore finds many at Chapman.

Moore worked as an athletic administrator at the school, but he didn't sit idle pushing papers or crunching numbers. He went out and got to know the athletes and coaches, even running miles with some of the distance runners. There's great context to this book.

At the same time he doesn't slip into the old cliche of making every small college experience seem quaint and cute, like most sportswriters. Moore explains the drawbacks, as well as the positives to the Division III experience.

I wish more people knew about this book. Perhaps Chapman Press could promote it a little better.

It truly is a wonderful read.

Is the definition of "big time" based soley on whether a college offers athletic scholarships to its students? Maybe in some peoples' eyes.

After reading this book, I came to realize that the true definition of "big time" should be based on the hearts of the athletes themselves. Those students who play for the love of their sport, and somehow manage to maintain their grades and prepare themselves for a life outside sports at the same time.

Mr Moore writes about Chapman University and its athletes with humor, love, and admiration. I would challenge anyone to come away from reading this book and not have found a game, or an athlete, who touched them deeply, and made them remember something wonderful about their own college experience.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves sports, not for the glitz and glamour, but for the athletes who sweat, bleed, and live, simply to play the game.

Beginning triathletes or those who just don't have time to build their own training programs will find this simple approach to the sport appealing.

I'm a book junkie...especially "how to" books on things I love to do (like triathlon.) This one's got plenty of good information, and I like the simpler approach. However, if you're an elite athlete (or wannabe), perhaps this may be too simplistic. Things I liked:
- The simplistic approach to training (I just don't have time to break down my build phase into 5 periodized segments :-))
- The emphasis on establishing *realistic* goals
- The creative training log formats
- Many good ideas & suggestions to take away and use in a way that works for *you*.
There simply is no one-size-fits-all, magical training program out there that will turn you into a better triathlete. Every person's goals, abilties, time schedule/commitments, and life in general are unique. So, glean some new ideas from this and other good books out there, and design the best program for you. This one, in my opinion, has plenty to offer.

Strengths:
Writing is clear and crisp. Each chapter is fascinating. Cozza offers his reminiscences about Yale football, and some of his favorite players (Czinger, Ryan, Diana, Jauron, Hill, etc.) and games. Many photos. Well-designed and produced.

Cozza did not like the Ivy football being shunted to I-AA; most likely he would rather have had the Ivies compete among themselves at the I-A level. Cozza rails against academic requirements imposed by the admissions office.

Weaknesses: none that I can think of.

Harvard's Joe Restic should write his own memoirs.

Every Yale fan will enjoy Carm Cozza's humble jourey from Miami of Ohio {Coach's U} to the hallow halls of Yale University. Cozza provides the reader with insights on Yale's football past, present and future. An informative sports read.

Got my husband this book as a gift for his birthday. It arrived right on time. He read the first 200 pages waiting for his turn at jury duty, and is really enjoying this book. He said that although there's nothing amazing about the writing style, it has a lot of really great insights into the coach and the team ... a great behind-the-scenes look at Gator Football.

This is not one of those typical chronicles of a special season that delves about as deep as speeches at a booster club confab.

Author Buddy Martin - in this authorized biography - delves into the life of Urban Meyer and produces an excellent exploration into what may have appeared to be an open-field scamper from the mid-level head coaching ranks to leading one of the most storied programs in the rich history of college football.

But a cursory glance of a career hardly tells the real story.

With his family roots in a state that is a hotbed for football - Ohio - Meyer was a solid athlete for Saints John & Paul Catholic School in Ashtabula, a defensive back for the Cincinnati Bearcats - graduating in 1986 - and a minor-league prospect in the Atlanta Braves farm system.

The real challenge, though, was on the horizon, as Meyer entered the collegiate coaching ranks, spending 1986-2000 in a variety of capacities with Ohio State, Illinois State, Colorado State and Notre Dame. Martin tackles these oftentimes frustrating years for Meyer, where self-doubt and concerns about a stalled career are juxtaposed with mentors like the legendary head coaches Earle Bruce and Lou Holtz.

When the door opened in 2001 for a head coaching opportunity at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, though, Meyer placed himself on an amazing fast-track in the rugged profession. Two seasons at BGSU landed him the head coaching post at Utah, where his teams - in 2003-2004 - tallied a 22-2 mark and two bowl victories, including the Fiesta Bowl.

And the next logical step was tackling a major program, with several opportunities on the table - including his dream job at Notre Dame - but Meyer accepting the task of bringing glory back to the University of Florida.

The exploration of the National Championship season is outstanding and Martin's reporting of 2007 has more important gems than the continued media focus on Meyer's harsh comments concerning "The Celebration."

Covering Meyer's game plan for life - personal faith and philosophies - and playbook for the turf wars - the breakdown of the Spread Offense is a must for any fan - Martin shows the continuing growth of a true educator.

Meyer is not just achieving victories on Saturday afternoons in "The Swamp," he is a role model to each player on the biggest field of the all....life. Ultimately, that is Urban's Way.

Wilma Rodolph had one big problem before she became a famous Olympic runner, and that problem was that she had polio. Polio is a disease that you can die from or lose use of your legs. Wilma lost the use of her left leg only but was still in much pain. Every day, Wilma rode on a bus to a therapist to treat her leg. The bus ride took about 2 hours both ways. When this was happening Wilma was only six years old. Doctors told Wilma's parents, "She might not make it." Her parents were very upset. Wilma's family was very, very poor. Wilma wished very much that she could run like the other children at her school. But as Wilma got older (11) and she kept therapy she started to walk and run! It took Wilma along time for her to prepare but finally she won three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics! I would recommend this book to kids that like to run.

THIS BOOK WAS INSPIRATION TO EVERY YOUNG BLACK CHILD THAT IS PURSURIG TRACK & FIELD. THIS BOOK TALKS HIGHLIGHTLY ON IF YOU SEE YOUR MIND TO A GOAL OR DREAM STICK WITH IT WHEN NO BELIEVES IN YOU BUT YOURSELF.

Hendrix is magnificent. The way he presents the details are easy to read. While I've read many other books, this book really drives home the basics of motivation, goal setting, drilling, among others. I do not, however, rate this book to its fullest because it seems towards the end to lose its flavor. This book again drives home the fundamentals of not just winning, but losing and learning from that lost to win.

Mental toughness is as important as physical toughness to be a champion. As coaches, we try to instill in our wrestlers the WILL to win. Unfortunately, we seldom teach them how.

This book is the best I've seen to address this issue. This is not just a textbook on theory. It is a hard-hitting, filled-with-examples book specifially written for wrestlers. Coach Hendrix clearly demonstrates a 'been there, done that' credibility. Unless you are a retired world wrestling champion, it's worth your money and time to read this book.

David Carlson, Amateur Wrestling Guide

Articulate story of the great 40s and 50s Czech distance runner Emil Zatopek that astounded the world with his three gold medals in the 52 Olympics that included a thrilling 5000 final with Zatopek, with ungainly arms flailing, pulls away with a desperate surge in the final straight from three runners in hot pursuit with a one crashing dramatically against the curb. The author captures the career of the man who broke all the Finnish distance running records from 5000 meters up to 20,000 and the one hour run. Zatopek was known for spending long periods on the track doing long sets of intervals, as many as 40x 400 meters. The author notes fantastically, and perhaps naively, that Emil even ran 80 quarters in a single workout but as Emil was qouted elsewhere, they didn't mention his pace, which may have been relatively modest for the longer sessions. But aside from his records, Zatopek was known for his dominance in the Olympics and his warm and ever friendly heart that extended even to competitors. Phillips, a track statistician as you will recognized from his series of lists and knowledge of the top times of the world past, current and present, writes a compact book that covers the essentials of Zatopek's career with particular focus on his development, record breaking races and Olympic performances. Amazingly, Zatopek wins a gold medal and a silver in his first Olympics just missing the gold in the 5,000 in the 48 Olympics and of course his incredible triple in the 52 Olympics wining the 5,000, 10,000 and the marathon. Quite a story about Emil running his first marathon in the Olympics after winning the 5K and 10K races. In the late stages of the marathon, the author states that Emil troted up to the leader and favorite, Peters from England, and asks if the pace is fast enough! He later takes the lead, crushing all his competitors including the unfortunate Peters. Emil's training revolutionized distance running and his performances inspired a whole league of young world class runners like Valdimer Kuts, Gordon Pirie, Chris Chataway, and Alan Mimoun all who eventually chipped away at his records. The book is written in somewhat abbreviated format but I do wish there was more personal information about Zatopek particularly how he was able train and compete in German occupied Czechoslovakia and more detail about his family, career in the military but there are references to his punishment for supporting the anti-communist movement in 1968. The book also has short bio on his gold medalist wife Dana who had a remarkable career as a world ranked javelin thrower and multiple Olympic medalist. The racing pictures are also fantastic that even include the fantastic and shocking finish of the 1952 Olympic 5000 meter final. But besides his athletic accomplishments, Emil will always be remembered for his good sportsmanship and kindness to people such as his pacing a young Australian to a national record to his secretly giving his 1952 10,000 meter gold medal to the great multiple world record holder and hard luck Ron Clarke (bronze 10,000 in 64). Clarke said it best about Emil Zapotek after receiving this highly personable gift, "I do know no-one cherishes any gift more than I do, my only Olympic gold medal, and not because of what it is, but because of the man whose spirit it represents".

This book is a must read for all distance running fans. The exciting story of Emil Zatopek life, training and racing is well written by Bob Phillips.He is a great wtiter of track books. Zatopek was an inspiration to many people for he was a universal man. This book belongs in your library. You should also buy the book "3:59.4" by Phillips.

The Rocket

I'm not a die hard runner by any means, but desired to run a sub-4 hour marathon for my first marathon. This book helped me with confidence and a concrete plan for training. It isn't so complex that you need to incorporate blood testing, heart rate monitors, etc. (which are probably important as you advance). This is a basic plan that tells you the workouts you need, food to eat, and how to prepare. If the training is too hard then you probably need to establish a better base or revise your goals.

I didn't do all the training because after I got about 10 weeks into the plan I had two 'back to back' sciatica attacks (the second had me on the floor for 60 hours in pain). I was in fear that I wouldn't finish let alone run sub-4. I believe the basic endurance gained from the plan allowed me to achieve my time. I was worried the training wasn't tough enough, but followed it to the letter (when I could due to my back).

I previously researched other plans online (Higdon's and others) but they only showed mileage to run and didn't tell me about pacing which is extremely important!

Summary: this book keeps it simple and to the point. If the title is your goal you would be foolish not to get it. Good luck regardless.

P.S. I ran the Grandma's in Duluth June 2008. A fast course, beautiful views of the lake, awesome support, and a great local crowd. Highly recommended race!!!

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a wealth of knowledge, especially for the beginner runner that I am. I'm sure that all of the hard work will pay off in the end.

I love this book. I am a new runner and this book has given me soooo much helpful information from certain leg pains I was feeling and suggestions on how to remedy it; to how to increase my speed in my jog/run effectively. You can't go wrong getting this book. If you are excited to start training your body and mind to run a marathon I would totally recommend this book. - "Good Luck!"

I have successfully trained for 2 marathons with this book and I recommend it to friends aspiring to do the same all the time. Not only does it give reality based tips, the training schedules in the back are reasonable and easy to understand. I picked my first marathon, the Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon, out of the back of the book where it recommends flat, fast courses . My husband and I followed every bit of advice and the schedule and hit our 4 hour goal at the finish line, finishing well into the middle of the pack of racers.
The only additional advice I would add to what the book tells you is to get fitted for running shoes at the on-set of your training by someone certified in Gait Analysis- this will save your knees, feet, and lower back tremendously.

I do not recommend this book. It does give some useful information on running--general stuff on what to eat and wear and where to run. If you are new to running you might find it helpful. However, the training program is terrible. I ran my first marathon in a little over 4.5 hours. I took it very easy though and there were a lot of hills, so I was hoping that with the flat Chicago course and some harder training I could run a 4 hour marathon. A lofty goal, but my plan B goal was a sub-4.5 marathon. I bought this book hoping to reach at least one of my goals (unfortunately, the stifling heat ended this year's Chicago marathon before I finished & I had to walk a couple miles so I did not reach either goal, but that's not Kuehls's fault).

To run a four hour marathon, you need to run a 9 minute mile. I used to be able to run several miles at that pace, but this training program made me SLOWER. Here's the basic plan: there are two 20-30 minute jogs each week that are supposed to be done around a 12 minute mile pace (yeah, that's HARD--it took me a couple weeks before I could even get that slow). Your long run is supposed to be done at a 10:40 to 11:20 minute mile pace. Then you have one interval speed workout (at the beginning of the program) or a tempo run (at the end of the program to be done at a 8:40ish minute mile pace). How one fast run a week is supposed to prepare you for 26 miles at a 9 minute mile pace is beyond me. It didn't make sense at the beginning & I guess I'm the fool for following the plan anyway. If you want an easy training program, choose this one. If you want to run a 4 hour marathon, look for something else.

Now that the marathon is over, I need to work on building up the speed I lost over the last four months.

This is without question, the best sports and business book ever written. This book also teaches and reminds all us how to be decent, thoughtful, caring, and responsible human beings. Being a good and decent person really works, and will get you somewhere. Take responsibility for yourself, get the job done. Never let: "It's not my job," enter your mind. Get it done and stop whining. Team work, in sports, business, family and life makes all the difference in the world. When you think of the super credible people in this world, 'Coach K,' is, 'one' of those unique great ones at the top of the list. Coach K is a very humble and decent human being, and his 'actions,' positively speak for themselves. Are there Spanish versions of Coach K's books available? The book has a great flow and is a never a dull moment read. Mixing business with sports, makes for a fun academic read. Great, great book - Fantastico y Increible - Vamos a leer!

Who thought that one man could do so much in life, have so much success, and still be grounded to where he was brought up. This is a truly inspiring book because it is rare to find a man of this profession who cares so much about character. He is one of the few coaches in college basketball who values a kid's personality more than their talent. Reading this book really showed me how great a guy Coach K really is, and how lucky those kids are to play for a coach like him.

This book is easy to connect with for anyone and everyone. For me in particular, coming from a military background, I found it very interesting to learn about Coach K's time at West Point Academy and the experiences he took from there. Also, as I prepare for my freshman year of college, where I will be playing basketball, Coach K values character traits such as trust, loyalty, honesty, determination, and respect, all of which I will take with me into next year. The real situations that Coach K portrays are an incredible look inside the life of one inspiring and motivational man. The stories about basketball, players, friends, coaches, West Point, Korea, Chicago, Duke, and of course family, are really unforgettable.

I had a great time reading this book because you have the opportunity to see what really goes on at Duke University and their highly acclaimed basketball program. Coach K discusses game day routines, pre-game speeches, coaching drills, player development, film work, and coaching, all with open arms. He doesn't feel the need to hide any of his business and welcomes basketball fans around the world to be a part of his story. Through the uses of metaphor and flashbacks Coach K is able to show the importance of character and trust, and not allowing his program to turn into a business like many others. He and his teams have fought through adversity, and despite much criticism, Coach K is definitely one of the best coaches ever. I recommend this book 100% to any businessman, basketball fan, military person, or anyone simply looking to better understand the important things in life, and what should really matter, like friends, family, and religion.

Some books I have read stand the test of time. Since its initial publication, this book by Coach K stands that test, with stories and chapters that both inspire and encourage. It gives valuable strategies for succeeding no matter what your aim is. It made me much more than a Duke fan, but made me a Coach K fan as well. Well done and it is no wonder the Duke program is so successful.

A must read for coaches and business people alike. Very informative look on how Coach K built Duke into a basketball powerhouse. I am not a Duke fan but enjoyed this book.

I read coach K's book when it first came out and recently re-read it. I often refer to it when I need to put things in the correct perspective. This inspirational book makes it easy to "take responsibility for yourself, and never let "it's not my job," enter into your mind. Coach "K" exemplifies "getting the job done/taking charge." Many a time I'm wondering what to do in tough situations, both in sports and business. I truly ask myself a lot: "What would a guy like coach Krzyzewski do?" I can't think of any coach who exemplifies more decency, integrity, honesty, perseverence, dedication, fairness, family values...you get the point. It appears there are many who admire him and, some will envy him. I say learn from him because he's proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, what leading with integrity and values is all about. Many, many, parent's say they want their kids to go to Duke. Why? These parents are specific to say that they hope their children can be part of the positive and integral influnce that "coach Krzyzewski brings to Duke." Major companies have used coach "K"s book to help executives get on the right track. You won't read a better book on motivation for anything in life. Amazing book, about an amazing person. Worth it!!!