“That’s Going in the Book!”
It was a running joke for many during my coaching career. I would constantly say, “that’s going in the book.” I had talked often about writing a book about my coaching experiences at Marine City High School once I retired from teaching. In November of 2021 I reached out to a decorated and very distinguished alumni from my alma matter Warren Fitzgerald High School Susan Sember. Susan had a long career in film making and was also working with authors and screenwriters in her publishing company, Silverlight Pres(https://www.ThroughPenandLens.com). I was invited by Susan to be one of her selected authors and my continual statement of “that’s going in the book” became reality.
I sent Susan the opening chapter to a book idea I had about growing up in Warren and we started a discussion. I actually had several ideas for books I plan to write. Susan and her team member, a former NFL player, advised me to write about my coaching experience in my initial book and as such I came back full circle to my running joke shared with all my coaching buddies.
“A Run to the River,” explores the evolution of football at Marine City High School that I saw firsthand, and also details the State Championship run of the 2013 team. The initial chapters were written as I spent 12 days in my son’s former bedroom and isolated during a COVID infection. Then for months I uploaded each of the subsequent chapters for Susan and her team to review. Now finished with the book, it’s been quite a journey and I’m hooked. The process has been a blast as I have reconnected with several former players to get their perspective on the 2013 season. Speaking with former coaches, school personnel, and community members has also filled my literary bucket with interesting facts to share in the book.
I was given the goal for 50,000 words to shoot for in creation of the book. I honestly never thought that was achievable but the influx of energy I felt every time I spoke with Susan Sember, allowed me to reach that goal and beyond. I am excited to share this book with the community and hope it resonates with members outside the community as well. I truly look forward to you reading this book and I am so thankful for the opportunity Susan has created for me.
