Don't Flinch - Barry Alvarez: The Autobiography The Story of Wisconsin's All-Time Winningest Coach

by Barry Alvarez

Despite inheriting a moribund college football program, and half-empty stadium, Barry Alvarez never compromised his values, never flinched — even after a 1-10 first season — and never stopped believing in his blue print for success at the University of Wisconsin. By establishing a solid foundation, adhering to fundamentals and demanding an uncommon toughness from his players, Alvarez became the architect of three Rose Bowl triumphs in the ‘90s and became the school’s all-time winningest football coach. While changing the culture of the sport on the Madison campus, raising expectations to heretofore unthinkable levels, Alvarez left an indelible mark on the Badgers during his 16 seasons on the sidelines. Not only did Alvarez take over a Big Ten footwipe and build the program into national prominence, but he sustained the success by sticking to a plan rooted to his upbringing in Western Pennyslvania and his exposure to three legendary coaches, Nebraska’s Bob Devaney, Iowa’s Hayden Fry and Notre Dame’s Lou Holtz. In his autobiography — Don’t Flinch — Alvarez talks about the lessons that he learned from his mentors, the hurdles that he had to overcome as a young assistant and high school coach, and the challenge of taking over his own college program while living in a fishbowl, especially from his family’s perspective. Alvarez maps out a strategy and game plan for young coaches who are seeking to achieve similar goals, and he also talks about his future as Wisconsin athletics director, and the future of college football.

Genres: Sports, Football, Memoir, Biography

280 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Derik LeCaptain]

This was a book that I personaly could read hundreds of times. It is legendary Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez telling the readers about his journey through the crazy world of college sports. He talks about his division one playing days at the university of Nebraska and his national title. Then Alvarez goes on to talk about his true passion for coaching and teaching kids how to win both on and off the field. This book shows what it takes to be a true sucess story in college football. Alvarez was and is still an icon to college football. He turned around Wisconsin football to one of the winningist programs in college football history. Any one looking for a good read wants this book.

[Jonathan Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent lesson on grit, determination, and what it takes to be a leader!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good. This story from one of the most famous coches at wisconsin really shows you what you can do in life. It shows that whatever you want to do and put your mind to you can do it. He has helped me realize to alwasy keep movin on, never give up, and give it 101% in whatever you do. Life is to short to not reach for the stars.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Wisconsin!

[Randy Wojtasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find Barry to be an arrogant jerk and I love him. Inspiring read for me. I am a biased Badger fan.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roger's Book

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Became redundant at times, but overall a good read for any badgers fan.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK IS GREAT SO FAR!