More Than a Coach: What It Means to Play for Coach, Mentor, and Friend Jim Tressel [Hardcover]

David Lee Morgan Jr. (Author), Jim Tressel (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2009

"I know my goal is to win games, but what is my purpose going to be? I decided [when I first became a head coach] that our purpose was going to be to help prepare men to live meaningful lives well beyond football."

--Jim Tressel

For Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel, all the wins and national championships he compiled at Youngstown State University and Ohio State University aren't nearly as important as the life lessons he has taught his players over the years. Now, in the powerful and inspiring More Than a Coach, people who know Tressel, including author David Lee Morgan, Jr., reveal never-before-told-stories of how Tressel's philosophies on football and life impacted their own lives in profound ways. Many have gone on to become teachers, coaches, athletic directors, and law-enforcement officers and have had success far beyond the football field. Tressel's influence can be read in the accounts of his former players and coaches, many of whom talk about the impact of the coach's Winner's Manual--an inspirational collection of writings and clippings that he shares annually with his players. Morgan's in-depth interviews with more than 50 former YSU and OSU individuals--including former YSU athletic director Joe Malmisur, Craig Krenzel, John Cooper, Troy Smith, Beanie Wells, and Archie Griffin, to name a few--are a testament to the power of an exceptional individual. The result is an entertaining and moving book that will give readers a unique perspective on Tressel's lasting legacy not just as a football coach but as a human being.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"During my years at Ohio State, Coach Tressel showed me how much he cared about me as a man first. Football was secondary."--former OSU quarterback Troy Smith

"Coach Tressel is great at guiding young men from where we are to where we want to be, not only in football but in life, religion, and our family lives."¬--former OSU defensive back Antonio Smith

"Coming from a program like Ohio State where you learn so much about life, that tradition helped prepare me for my future--whether it was in the NFL, or as a lawyer, an accountant, an engineer, or a teacher.... Getting to go to a place like Ohio State with Coach Tressel was unbelievable for me."--former OSU linebacker A.J. Hawk

"Millions of people can love Coach Tressel because he's won national championships and he's a winning coach, but I love him every time I look at my daughters and I see what he has helped me to build, how God has used him to strengthen me."--former YSU linebacker Mike Peterson

About the Author

David Lee Morgan, Jr. is an award-winning sportswriter for the Akron Beacon Journal whose books include LeBron James: The Rise of a Star, Kelly "the Ghost" Pavlik: The Pride of Youngstown, and High School Heroes: Athlete's Stories of Inspiration, Dedication, and Hope. A motivational speaker, he lives in Akron, Ohio, with his wife and children.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Triumph Books (July 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600782388
• ISBN-13: 978-1600782381
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #988,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want my son to play for Coach Tressel!, July 14, 2009

By 

BP - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than a Coach: What It Means to Play for Coach, Mentor, and Friend Jim Tressel (Hardcover)

I love the insight this book provides to the inner world of college level football. On any playing field lessens of leadership evolve; here are personal stories of how a highly principled coach effects his team as players and as adults later in life. The book gives one account after another of highly successful players as well as ones that should have been and how "The Winners Manuel" played a role in their lives.
I was going to read just one more account, then one more chapter, two hours later my family was crying for dinner. I'm so excited to find a good read for my family, something for everyone that will captivate their interest. Tressel is an interesting man whose teachings go far beyond the field; the author does an outstanding job in conveying the intensity that the players feel for this man.
More Than a Coach: What It Means to Play for Coach, Mentor, and Friend Jim Tressel

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a book!, August 14, 2009

By 

PB - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than a Coach: What It Means to Play for Coach, Mentor, and Friend Jim Tressel (Hardcover)

After hearing David Lee Morgan Jr. talk about his new book on a local radio show, I just knew I had to read it -- especially after so many former players called the station that evening to share their personal stories about Coach Tressel. The book did not disappoint. I've followed Coach Tressel's career since his graduate assistant days at The University of Akron (and had the privilege of hearing him speak at a breakfast meeting a few years back), and I always thought he was a special person. "More Than a Coach" just affirmed my belief that he truly is a great man. Through a multitude of heartwarming -- and sometimes gutwrenching -- interviews, David Lee Morgan Jr. truly captured the essence of this man and the important life values he has instilled in so many players, associates and friends. I also bought a copy to share with my nephew, who is a high school freshman football player, and I pray he too will take to heart the life lessons shared by Coach Tressel.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for Ohio State Fans, April 9, 2010

By 

Soccer Chick (Fairfax VA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: More Than a Coach: What It Means to Play for Coach, Mentor, and Friend Jim Tressel (Hardcover)

I think if you are an Ohio State Fan, and follow the team this is a great book for you. I was hoping it would get more into the coaching philosophy of Jim Tressel and more in depth concerning his character etc. A lot of the stories in the book revolv around games at either Ohio State or Youngstown State and stories about their players. So if you are fans of either of these programs I think you will love the book. If you are like me, however, and looking for something inspirational or perhaps insightful this is not the book.