Often characterized as David facing Goliath on the tennis court, at 5'9" and 150 pounds Michael Chang is used to playing with the big hitters. What he lacks in stature, he makes up for in determination. A serious contender at any Grand Slam event, his bold statement of faith in God makes him a role model we can all look up to. "What's nice," Michael says, "is that, as long as my priorities are straight, I'm able to go out with the mentality to really leave the winning and losing up to the Lord." In Holding Serve readers get a unique glimpse at Team Chang, Michael's powerful family unit that he credits with much of his success. Michael also shares the story of how he became a Christian and the central role his faith has played in his achievements.

If you enjoyed the 1994 fictitious movie Forrest Gump, you'll love Roy Story, the remarkable, rags-to-riches true account of the colorful, comical and quick-witted Roy Bucek, who succeeded beyond his wildest dreams on the football field, the battlefield and in numerous business fields with a combination of a tremendously strong backbone and an incomparable funny bone. Bucek came from such poverty that he and his family barely noticed the so-called "Great Depression." His athleticism earned him a college scholarship, where he became the first official track and field All-American in Texas A&M history and helped the 1939 Aggies win the football national championship. Bucek lost his eye in the historic Battle of the Bulge in World War II, but he became a man of remarkable entrepreneurial vision. He built so many successful businesses in Schulenburg, Texas that he resided in a sprawling home he built just south of Interstate-10 and at the end of...Bucek Street. His fascinating stories are guaranteed to mesmerize you and motivate you to pursue your own dreams, no matter how far-fetched they may seem. Roy Story is a captivating read that will take you back in time and challenge you to build a brighter future.

When soon after I started to meditate, I seemed to find myself inside of the beautiful birds body, flying so free. It was a beautiful feeling, the feeling of free flight, and I was able to fly wherever I wished and when suddenly I returned to my own body, there underneath the tree, I felt like a new person. I felt as if I was one with all that surrounded me in nature.

The Fearless Falcon

Where time is lost and truth begins,
the chains are finally broken.
All without you find within,
once scarred and tangled, now silken.

The worldly lust that pained once so,
seems now just an ancient token.
The Fearless Falcon flies so high,
True love can never be broken.

I read "Cochise" and I congratulate John " "Cochise" is free, beautiful, interesting and full of surprises. It is sensitive and able to fully convey the spirit of an era, the hippie generation. An enjoyable universal crossroad, John Leslie Fultz, Cochise for European basketball fans, is a psychedelic author, who writes as creatively as he scored baskets. His college rivalry with the great Julius "Dr. J" Erving, adventures with the late, great John Belushi, his friendship with Italian singers Vasco Rossi and Lucio Dalla and his teammates, Claude English and Dino Meneghin are all included
Luca Maggitti- Journalist and Writer. Conducts basketball TV programs. Journalist for Il Tempo since 2001.

"They Called Me Kociss" is an intense, fast paced, vibrant story. It is pure, sincere and honest like the man who decided to write it always was both during happy and difficult times. A great and important message that should be beneficial to the new generation. It is story that is not only for those who love basketball Marco Tarozzi -Won Coni- USSI's Award as "Sports Writer of the Year" (2004)

Class Dismissed is a look at the adventures of a high school social studies teacher who hunts around the world. Without the benefit of sponsors or freebies, the author goes on safari in Africa, up to the Canadian provinces and around the fifty states. as real life hunts are described as they happen. And most adventures told without too much exaggeration bow in your hand as you venture into the field after game and on many occasions bring home the bacon. No pun intended while reading about elk hunting. many frustrations and sweet victory. For the turkey hunter, here are some hunts that you will appreciate and even laugh as you can relate to the excitement and challenge of the hunt. in some hunts and witness the majesty of the outdoors. Family stories also show another side of this hunter.

Explores Jackie Robinson's compelling and complicated legacy Before the United States Supreme Court ruled against segregation in public schools, and before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, Jackie Robinson walked onto the diamond on April 15, 1947, as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers, making history as the first African American to integrate Major League Baseball in the twentieth century. Today a national icon, Robinson was a complicated man who navigated an even more complicated world that both celebrated and despised him. Many are familiar with Robinson as a baseball hero. Few, however, know of the inner turmoil that came with his historic status. Featuring piercing essays from a range of distinguished sportswriters, cultural critics, and scholars, this book explores Robinson's perspectives and legacies on civil rights, sports, faith, youth, and nonviolence, while providing rare glimpses into the struggles and strength of one of the nation's most athletically gifted and politically significant citizens. Featuring a foreword by celebrated directors and producers Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, this volume recasts Jackie Robinson's legacy and establishes how he set a precedent for future civil rights activism, from Black Lives Matter to Colin Kaepernick.

Mike North's true loves are boxing and photography. But, a Missourian in Los Angeles, he has only managed to live his dreams through being an amateur boxing official and a wedding photographer. Then he meets David, the skilled journalist and retired British midshipman, and together they navigate the hard-hitting, complex, and exciting world of boxing in its heyday. AT THE APRON: A NIGHT AT THE FIGHTS brings us right up to ringside to witness the thrilling, true-tolife experiences of photographers, journalists, promoters, judges, and fighters both at and away from the apron.

"AT THE APRON "explores the boxing world, capturing the lively and action-packed decades in which boxing was the premier combat sport. Mike North, writer, photographer, and amateur boxing official, introduces us to an incredible cast of characters who chose the boxing life-and the arenas where their lifeblood was spent-and invite us to share in their stories, their knowledge, and their passion.

St. Patrick High School, a small, no-frills Catholic institution located in a rough urban area of New Jersey, houses one of the nation's most storied high school basketball programs. Kevin Boyle, a leader who garnered multiple National Coach of the Year awards, cultivated that winning tradition, and brought the team to the top of its sport over the course of two decades.

In Celtic Pride, sportswriter and author Brian Fitzsimmons chronicles a group of teenagers forced to juggle friendship and the immense pressure of being on the nation's best team throughout the 2010-2011 season, while unmasking the man behind it all.

This biography narrates how, with the help of a close support system and famous alumni now making headlines at the collegiate and professional levels, Boyle orchestrated a rags-to-riches story. Despite being hampered by a budget shortfall strong enough to present a potential death blow to his school's existence, Boyle not only produced a number of high-achieving players but also earned the reputation of being one of the most respected high school basketball coaches in the United States.

What's so bad about being married to a coach? Mary Lou Podlasiak boldly, but playfully, reveals how the "women behind the men" really feel. Whether you are dating a coaching fanatic, or have spent half of your existence married to one, the stories and insight within will no doubt change the way you feel about yourself. (Unless, of course, you are already feeling good!)

Filled with warm memories, as well as a minefield of topics, the primary focus is aimed at turning frustration into empowerment. Read about the events that have led the author, and other seasoned wives, to look beyond the annoyances and view their situations as nothing less than wonderfully life-affirming.

When legendary Chicago Cubs' broadcaster Harry Caray passed away in February of 1998, thousands of baseball fans mourned the loss. In Where's Harry?, Steve Stone pays tribute to one of baseball's biggest legends never to take the field, remembering the unique baseball commentator who was also the game's biggest fan.

Generations of fighting Harris blood exploded through Roy Harris's veins that August night in 1958 as he stood in the boxing ring in Los Angeles. He was facing the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, Floyd Patterson, who, at the time, had earned that crown at an earlier age than any other man in history.

Roy faced a psychological handicap met by few other heavyweight challengers. How could a rustic backwoodsman turned gentleman-scholar-soldier cope with such a challenge? What strange events had conspired to create the meeting of such a contrast in pugilistic antagonists?

"Roy Harris of Cut and Shoot" is, in part, the story of how and why Roy Harris emerged from backwoods obscurity to the pinnacle of fistic heaven--a heavyweight title bout. But this is also the story of the rapidly vanishing breed that spawned and nourished him--the rugged individualistic frontiersmen from the oil-rich southeast Texas thicket country. Today, Cut and Shoot is a growing community northeast of Houston. Roy has retired from illustrious careers not only in boxing, but as an attorney, real estate mogul, and the county clerk of Montgomery County, Texas, for twenty-eight years.

Roy's personal memories are inserted throughout "Roy Harris of Cut and Shoot," adding authenticity to this dramatic saga.

Baseball was everything and everywhere in the 1950s on the east side of Brockton, Massachusetts. In "The Eastside Kid, " author John DeCosta tells what it was like growing up in that era and what the game of baseball has meant to his life.This memoir describes DeCosta's baseball experiences both as a youngster and as an adult, and it shows how this passion shaped him. With photographs included, "The Eastside Kid" shares DeCosta's life story from 1957 to 2007, including details about his Catholic family, his love for animals, his first job, serving in the military in Korea, dealing with heart problems, and his continued participation in baseball.From the sandlot to Little League to adult amateur baseball, "The Eastside Kid" provides an inside view of how deeply baseball beats in the heart of John DeCosta.

"Overtime," is a true story about Texas high school football, the way it is and what it should really be about-love.

A story about facing one's shame and becoming a man of substance, "Overtime" gives you a look into the author's life and those of the young men he coaches.

Vivid flashbacks and colorful play-by-play make this a book that you won't want to put down. "Overtime" is an attempt to carve out the eternal question, "Why are we here?"

Right before your eyes you'll see a wounded boy mature into a man who believes winning in football comes second to winning in life. "Overtime" is a book about overcoming adversity and learning how to be a real man. It is an honest and moving story that athletes, coaches, and all people can identify with.

"Awesome, a must read story. It could change your life."
-David McWilliams, University of Texas head football coach, 1987-1991

'The greater the challenge, the sweeter the reward, but also the greater the risk of failure. And fear of failure is the greatest barrier to success.' Sabrina Verjee is an ultrarunning phenomenon. In June 2021, on her fourth attempt, she became the first person to climb the Lake District's 214 Wainwright hills in under six days, running 325 miles with a colossal 36,000 metres of ascent. Where There's a Hill tells the story of an outsider who was never picked for a school sports team yet went on to become an accomplished modern pentathlete and adventure racer. After switching her focus to ultrarunning in her thirties, Sabrina moved to the Lake District, where she could hone her mountain-running skills on the local fells. High-profile success in endurance events followed, as she completed the Dragon's Back Race three times and was the outright winner of the 2019 Summer Spine Race, beating her nearest competitor by more than eight hours. However, it was the Wainwrights Round which really captured Sabrina's imagination. Having learnt about the challenge from fell-running legend Steve Birkinshaw, Sabrina began to plan an attempt of her own. Despite multiple obstacles - including lockdown regulations, bad weather, injury and controversy - Sabrina's grit and determination shone through. Where There's a Hill is a frank and inspirational account of how one woman ran her way into the record books.

"The nine members of the 1975-1976 Yeshiva University varsity basketball team attended their Jewish studies classes from nine to one, their secular classes from two to seven, practiced until ten, and went on to become doctors, dentists, or lawyers. The 1975 team's daily schedule and accomplishments were not unique, but rather representative of the approximately six hundred players who for eighty-three years have worn the Yeshiva University blue and white uniform. . . " "Why They Played," Chapter 11? The stories and observations that follow describe what happens when Yeshiva players attempt to find time for everything: Torah study, secular knowledge, and athletic triumph. When Dr. Halpert scours the globe for good player-athletes who will lead the team to victory, he looks for athletic promise, but in searching for the best, he is cognizant that, in the final analysis, his team will be the YU team. He knows that the players must be the best-but also informed by values, Jewish values, universal values, and values touched by the breath of Torah. Rabbi Simcha Krauss Rabbi Emeritus Young Israel of Hillcrest "The passion is there because the game of basketball is that kind of game. Coach Halpert exemplifies that spirit because he can get excited-and if you don't get excited, then the players won't get excited. He is able to translate that feeling and inner love to the players." Lou Carnesecca St. John's University

"Your to small" those were familiar words he heard from the critics growing up. With his blend of charisma and unparallel work ethic, overachieving talent and fierce determination, Sean Stellato defines the underdog. "There is so much I have learned throughout my career that I am looking forward to giving back to today's youth."

Now, in the same committed way he approached the game. Sean takes us into his life and onto the field. With his faith and detail, he talks about the influence of his parents, the work ethic they instilled in him, constant love they always displayed towards him at a young age, his true inspiration and guidance of significant others that kept him on course to conquer his dreams.

The commitment he has made to God has saved him and shaped him into the man he is today. He takes us back to Salem, Massachusetts a city rich in history, where be broke several school records and overcame tremendous adversity. A couple of particulars acts that almost cost him his life. He talks about his college career playing two Division I sports and finding time to get it done in the classroom as well as finding the love of his life. He reveals his struggles in the land of strictly business. He gives the reader a preview of one of the fastest growing sports in the USA, Arena Football.

When directed toward you, two of the more humbling words that can ever be uttered are: "You're fired " For Red Cashion, however, being fired by both the Southwest and Southland Conferences forced him to make significant attitude changes that took him all the way to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Red's rise to prominence in the NFL-many sportswriters described him as the most well-known official NFL history-was primarily the result of Cashion adopting a much more enthusiastic approach. He only achieved his dreams when he stopped blending into the background and began passionately asserting his personality with a trademark call that became recognized across the country. First dooowwwnnn...and life to go is an inspiring, captivating story that accentuates the power of a positive attitude. Cashion also recounts fascinating stories about some of the NFL's biggest personalities during his 25-year tenure in the league, and he provides strong opinions about the game's current direction. Cashion's advice for protecting current players from concussions, for example, is as revolutionary as it is rudimentary. His vision of the NFL's future is every bit as intriguing as his colorful description of his time in the league. "Red represented quality, judgment and a little special flair " - Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue "First dooowwwnnn is a first-rate read by a first-class man." -Former Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dat Nguyen

As coach of the University of Alabama's powerhouse Crimson Tide football team, Gene Stallings encountered plenty of tough situations on the field. But in 1962, as a young protege and assistant under Alabama's legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Stallings was handed one of the greatest challenges of his life: his newborn son, John Mark, was diagnosed with Down syndrome - a genetic condition that causes mental retardation - and a serious heart defect. Doctors said he probably wouldn't live to see his first birthday. At a time when many families were ashamed of having children who were "different", doctors and friends urged the Stallingses to institutionalize Johnny so he would not be a burden. But for Gene Stallings, putting Johnny in an institution was just not an option: Johnny would always be part of the family, no matter what. And despite the doctors' predictions, Johnny - now thirty-five - leads a full life with his family and friends. Wherever Stallings coached - at Texas A&M, with the Dallas Cowboys, or with the St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals - Johnny was an integral part of the team, whether chatting with the linebackers in the locker room or cheering them on from the sidelines. When Stallings took over as head coach for Alabama, the Crimson Tide took Johnny to heart, and he has become a familiar figure to the legions of Alabama fans. As a coach, Stallings always lived for the next game, the next season, and the season after that. But Johnny's precarious health has taught Stallings to appreciate every day they have together, and to reach out to other families with disabled children.