Since 1895, The University of Tulsa has consistently produced high quality football teams and players despite being one of Division 1-A's smallest institutions. From the perennial bowl teams of the 1940s to the revolutionary passing game of the 1960s, TU has made its mark throughout the history of college football. That tradition has spawned pro-caliber talent including Jerry Rhome, Howard Twilley, Drew Pearson, Tim Gordon, Dennis Byrd, Gus Frerotte and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Jim Finks, Bob St. Clair and Steve Largent. Legendary coaches such as Francis Schmidt, Henry Frnka, Glenn Dobbs and John Cooper have led the Golden Hurricane to 521 victories and 59 winning seasons. This book takes a look at these impressive historical accomplishments and offers a glimpse of TU's future through the eyes of Coach Steve Kragthorpe and the 2003 team.
Chad Bonham is a full-time journalist, author and broadcast producer. He is currently the coordinating producer for a pair of Brightbulb Entertainment documentaries titled "Life Happens" and "Choosing Life."
Chad has been working in mass media for the past 20 years. Chad's professional journey began at the University of Tulsa where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (1993) while working extensively in athletic media relations and serving as a sports editor for The Collegian.
Since then, he has written extensively for such publications as Relevant, CCM, Christian Retailing, Charisma, Today's Christian, Ministries Today, Breakaway, Brio, Sports Spectrum, Christian Single and Gospel Today. Chad also served as the contributing editor for New Man for three years.
He has authored nine books including Wrestling with God (River Oak) and the co-authored Spiritual Journeys (Relevant) and The Starting Line (Serendipity House). Chad was the general editor for a four-book series that chronicled FCA's core values (Regal Books).
Chad's was the contributing editor for the book Greatest Coach Ever (Regal Books). It is a tribute to legendary UCLA coach John Wooden for his 100th birthday and features 40 chapters with contributors such as Tom Osborne, Joe Girardi, Bobby Bowden, Mike Singletary, David Robinson, Jim Tressel and Sherri Coale.
Chad co-authored devotionals for the second and third editions of the FCA Athletes Bible (Serendipity House) and helped develop and write the 2008, 2009 and 2010 FCA summer camp curriculums. He is also a board member for the FCA Surfing and Skateboarding ministry. Chad is a primary contributor to the FCA Baseball New Testament (IBS) that released in March 2010.
Chad and his wife Amy live in Broken Arrow, Okla., with sons Lance (September 2003) and Cole (February 2008). They are active members at Hope Church where Chad serves as Youth Pastor for R.U.S.H. Student Ministries. Chad is also a drummer and songwriter for the worship team and has over 30 years experience traveling and recording traveled with several music groups.
