This book gives a detailed look-in at the rebound season for Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers of 1985-1986. The previous season the team had finished with a 15-13 record, 7-11 in the Big Ten. Coach Knight was determined to do better. With his unusual style of coaching-name-calling,swearing tirades, and other explosions- and his my way or no way attitude, Coach Knight set out to prove that his system was not broken. There were times during the season that reminded him of the previous season and made him feel like quitting, but there were also moments of great promise that really encouraged him. People who only know Bob Knight the chair thrower would have been surprised by this book. John Feinstein did a great job of showing the softer side of Bob Knight as he was granted full access to everything around the team. The team finished the 1985-1986 season with a 21-7 record, 13-5 in the Big Ten. They lost a disappointing game in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Cleveland State. Even though the team lost three seniors, there were high hopes for the team. They were ranked in the top ten nationally the following season and were bringing in some talented freshman. The team responded by winning the national championship.
For me this project was a success and also a tool. Although I did not meet my goal of reading a book a week, I certainly have read more during this school year than I have read during every school year combined. I have taken time to read books that I enjoy which has really benefited me. This project was also a tool in that it has made me responsible for reading each week and making a blog post. This has been very helpful. It also has reshaped how I feel about reading in my spare time. From this project I have learned that if I take the time to read, it can be very enjoyable. Since this project is now over I probably will not read every weekend, but will continue to read. When I don't have guidelines to follow for reading, I usually read in the car and that is probably what my reading will consist of now.
To end my final post, I will list and rate (out of 10) the books that I have read throughout the project.
- A Season on the Brink by John Feinstein This book not only gave an overview of the Indiana basketball team, but it also made you feel every emotion from worry to bewilderment to excited expense. (10)
- The GM by Tom Callahan This book interested me very much because I am looking to get into the field of sports management. This book may not be as enjoyable to people who aren't true fans of the NFL. (10)
- Uncommon by Tony Dungy The second of Tony Dungy's books is just as good as the first. In this book Tony Dungy gives tips for leading an uncommon life with faith in God while incorporating personal experiences and NFL experiences. (10)
- The Blind Side by Michael Lewis This book gave an in-depth look at a kid in a bad situation and showed how God can work things out for our good. It also included some chapters that talked exclusively about the NFL. (10)
- Monday Morning Quarterback by Peter King In this book Peter King takes his favorite articles from his well-known column that the book takes its name from making this a very fun book to read. (10)
- More Than a Game by Brian Billick In this book Brian Billick as a former coach in the NFL give an in-depth look at life in the NFL. This book as well would only be enjoyable to the serious NFL fan. (10)
- Walk-On by Alan Williams In this book, just as in A Season on the Brink, gives an in-depth look at NCAA Division 1 basketball. This book, however, concerns the Wake Forest basketball program from the view of a walk-on. (10)
- Who's Your Caddy by Rick Reilly In this book Rick Reilly retells what it was like to caddy for some of professional golf's greats. Being a fan of Rick Reilly's somewhat humorous writing for Sports Illustrated, this was a fun book to read. (10)
- Like Brothers by Dave Giffels In this book Dave Giffels emphasizes teamwork in this fictional story. I tend to enjoy non-fiction rather than fiction-unless based on a true story (sometimes)-which is why this book is at the bottom of my list. (6)
Final Totals: 58 hours and 9 minutes/ 2361 pages
A special thank you to Mr. Strusz. This has been a very enjoyable project.
