Abstract

There exists today a sinister element in sports where the love of money, success and fame grows uncontrolled. Unfortunately, many leaders are more concerned with victories, fund raising, and personal gain than they are with developing positive character traits and physical well-being. Amateur sports wreak havoc with the values of some of Americas top student athletes. This novel explores this phenomen with clarity and sensitivity. Set at a fictzional eastern university, State, the novels principal character is Jack McHale, head basketball coach. Having led State to six consecuitivbe NCAA tournaments, McHale is toppled from his king of the hill posture when his school makes a fateful decision. The resulting developments force him to critically analyze himself and his profession in the face of tremendous adversity. He faces human frailty, greed, and the specter of drugs and gambling while pursuing his primary goal: to prepare his players to meet the challenges of life. As the story proceeds, a variety of sub-plots unfold. States athletic director, Steve Ellovitch decides to take matters into his own hands, creating havoc for McHale and his program. The author of this novel realizes that sports are woven into the very fabric of American society. His portrayal of the human spirit through a basketball team - a microcosm of America - captures both the highs and lows. Klappentext (gekuerzt)