596 Switch: The Improbable Journey From The Palouse to Pasadena [Hardcover]

Ryan Leaf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2011

All-American Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf, who led the WSU Cougars to a Rose Bowl appearance in 1998, shares the ins and outs of a young man from Montana, attending college with dreams of a pro football career! It covers four years, from the moment Leaf decided to attend Washington State up through the Rose Bowl appearance in 1998. For college football fans and for WSU Cougar fans, this is an entertaining, behind-the-scenes journey through a fascinating time in the school s football history. For sports fans generally, it offers an unvarnished look at the world of college athletics, good and bad. The book does not glorify the sport or the WSU Cougar team, but does shed light on the powerful stories, colorful characters and some of the shenanigans behind one of our country s most beloved weekend pastimes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Montana native Leaf made a splash as quarterback at Washington State University, where he would led the Cougars to the 1998 Rose Bowl. He engagingly recounts the events of individual games throughout his college career, while painting portraits of mentors, colleagues, and competitors. His cockiness at the time made him somewhat unlikable (such that folks for years to come would look at him "with fire in their eyes"), but he reminisces with honesty and courage. As he writes: "We were a collection of characters, some from the sticks and some from the big city. We were white and black, big and small, quiet and loud and everything in between. Above all, we were committed and loyal and determined." Passionate, hardworking, and above all focused, Leaf, with coauthor Witter, invites readers to relive those four years of exhilarating ups and somber downs that shaped a kid from the Palouse into the man he is today. (Oct.) --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Ryan Leaf is the former collegiate and professional quarterback who had a successful college career at Washington State University . After his Junior year at WSU, he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in college football. He was drafted second in the 1998 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks. Ryan s professional career was cut short due to injuries. Today he mentors young college football players and works in business development for a travel company. He works with sports radio and other football programs. He lives in Great Falls, Montana.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Crimson Oak Publishing (October 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982950535
• ISBN-13: 978-0982950531
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, lots of behind the scenes into a magical season October 28, 2011

By Matt

Format:Hardcover

I have to be honest, I am a WSU alum and therefore automatically read anything written by a former coug or about WSU. With that being said, Id recommend this book to anyone who loves College football or sports in general. The name of the book comes from the play WSU would have ran to try and win the 97 Rosebowl, had they not been "cheated" (in some peoples eyes) out of two final seconds against eventual national champion Michigan. This book provides great insights not only to that team and special season but to a young man who had his share of demons. Ryan is owning up to his mistakes and trying to make right in peoples eyes now after growing up.

Recommend it, worth a read.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars True Redemtion Story worth reading. November 4, 2011

By Reader

Format:Kindle Edition

I never thought I'd read a book authored by Cryin Leaf. But after hearing an interview and then reading the book, I am a convert and fan of Ryan Leaf. A true Redemtion and self discovery story all intertwined. good read. Wish him the best henceforth!

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars The Jury is Still Out on This One January 30, 2012

By Bigmuskie

Format:Hardcover

I enjoyed the insider account of the big college recruiting game. I also liked how the author captured the loyalty and passion of the WSU fans in the Pullman area. Game day was captured very, very well. If I had grown up in Washington I think I definitely would have been a WSU fan for sure. I also loved the Rose Bowl chapter. The problem with the book is the size of Ryan Leaf's head. Even though he did make it a point to acknowledge that he was a total narcissist unlikable perfectionist and ego maniac, I found that that by telling his story and by pointing out certain things that he had said or things that he had done he was almost relishing how damn wonderful it was to be RYAN LEAF, or as he calls himself in the book, "The only WSU quarterback to ever beat USC in the Coliseum". To be honest, I was repulsed. He had to stretch away from his team before practice, he had to wear white shoes when everyone else wore black, he had to brag about sleeping with the granddaughter of a Heisman Trophy winner. News flash to Ryan Leaf: No one outside of eastern Washington cares about you! The fact that you are in love with yourself turns people's stomachs and to be honest, most people enjoyed seeing you flop on your face in San Diego. Was it all worth it? Now here is the challenge: I think this book was a great way to begin the redemption process. I hope the storytelling was a sincere way of acknowledging a past that you are not proud of. I hope the author has matured and I hope younger athletes reading this book see the destructiveness of selfishness and the hazards of a ME ME ME ME outlook on life. The final issue with the book that could have been handled better was the fact there was no wrap up or epilogue where the author at least summarized the San Diego Chargers situation, the Mike Price Alabama situation, the West Texas situation. Did he stand up for his coach? How has he grown from his younger days? He hints at it but he never really tells the reader anything! What has he been doing for the past ten years? In summary, I hope Ryan Leaf grows up, puts his over-sized head away, and begins the process of mending some fences. Reach out to Cougar Nation and, talk to young people, perhaps mentor athletes through the recruiting process. Was this book the first step towards this? Time will tell.