Bud Wilkinson, Bear Bryant, and Woody Hayes-these are the names that come to mind when the talk turns to great collegiate football coaches. Wilkinson achieved the American Dream playing by the rules. No short cuts or quick fixes. As Americans search for success and role models, a retrospective view of Wilkinson offers a road map to the top, and a look at a durable American hero.
Wilkinson, as football coach for the University of Oklahoma Sooners, ran up a fabulous record of wins from 1947 to 1963, including 47 straight from 1953 to 1963. His teams were national champions on three occasions and won six bowl games. In his later life, Wilkinson became involved in politics, business, and the President's Fitness Council. Son Jay, an All-American football player at Duke University, gives a warm, admiring view of his hard-driving but deeply religious father. This book offers a startling contrast to Bootlegger's Son (LJ 9/15/90), the autobiography of another famous Sooner football coach, Barry Switzer. Oklahoma libraries and fuller football collection will want Bud Wilkinson. It's optional elsewhere.
Morey Berger, St. Joseph's Hosp. Medical Lib., Tucson
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.