The term "lifer" is usually used in reference to prison inmates convicted of the most serious crimes. I spent six years as an assistant high school football coach, three in Michigan, three in Brooklyn. The term was also used to describe a man who had dedicated his life to coaching young men. Such a man is John Gagliardi, Head Coach at Division III St. John's College, located in Minnesota. 86, he announced his retirement today. His first head coaching position was at the high school level, when his coach was drafted into WWII. He was 16, a member of the team. His first college job was at Carroll College in Montana in 1949. He took over at St. John's in 1953. He is the winningest college football coach ever: 489-138-11. His teams have won four national titles. He is a member of the Hall of Fame. The trophy for the outstanding player at that level is named after him. His coaching style has been described as unique: no tackling at practice, no extended calisthenics or wind sprints, no team captains. His players must have loved him. Kudos, Coach.
Today the floating book shop ventured to the hipster haven of Park Slope, dubbed the most literate neighborhood in Brooklyn. It was one of my most frustrating sessions ever, no sales despite the many people who stopped and looked over the wares, which includes books by almost ever big name in the business. I had to fight to keep from grumbling aloud. Fortunately, our thoughts, especially the most negative, cannot be seen.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
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