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When the Game Stands Tall: The Story of the De La Salle Spartans and Football's Longest Winning Streak
De La Salle High School in Concord, California, is home to perhaps the greatest dynasty in sports history. At age 23, Coach Bob Ladouceur launched a legend, "The Streak," with no teaching or head-coaching experience, and with his teams amassed the highest winning percentage in all of football history with 138 consecutive victories. This book takes readers behind the scenes, closely following individual players, as Ladouceur guides his team through the most daunting schedule in school history, the 2002 season. Numerous interviews with major-league coaches such as Bill Walsh, Steve Mariucci, and John Gruden show the depth of respect accorded to Ladouceur and his methods and philosophies. Written with full cooperation from the coach and including dozens of photographs, this book is perfect for anyone interested in the factors behind phenomenal team success.
543 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 10, 2008
The best football story I've read yet to date. There had to be a story about a 151 game winning streak, but putting it together the way this book does made it even better. The best coaching story that inspires me to better my coaching style. If you're going to coach anything read it.
August 8, 2007
The best book that I've ever read on the game of football. This is the book that I use to explain to skeptics why I love this game, and I why I coach it. A textbook example of how you can use sports to help reveal character in young men. Inspiring.
March 17, 2023
I chose to write about "When The Game Stands Tall", written by Neil Hayes. This book is about the 2002 football season and the history of the Bay Area high school football team. De La Salle is the current record holder for most game wins consecutively. The team won a total of 151 games from 1992 until 2003. This record has also earned twelve CIF titles. De La Salle has produced some massive names in the football world, such as Amani Toomer of the New York Giants, Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as DJ Williams of the Denver Broncos. The story tells about the efforts of the team’s head coach Bob Ladouceur to keep their winning streak alive. This team had a lot of issues in which they mostly lacked a strong mindset for winning, as well as speed and size. De La Salle used to take these skills for granted, and that shows how unprepared this team is for a game. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I feel like Ladouceur’s actions when all of the odds were against him are extremely inspirational. He never let anything get him down, or get in his way. Unlike most other high school football teams, Ladouceur never gives his team a speech before a game. Most of the time, these speeches are meant to inspire and motivate the team’s players. However, Bob believes in preparing for the game mentally during the night before the game, and that is all that is required to succeed during the next day’s game. It’s pretty tough to go against this strategy, as Bob’s skills are next level. For example, he has 343 wins with just 22 losses. That is an incredible record. To me, the big lesson from this book is to never give up, and never give in. This team has every right to do very poorly. However, Bob Ladouceur never let anything get in his way, and he pushed through every obstacle that he ran into while building up this team into a force to be hard to beat. Just because their past people were football juggernauts, these players gave it their all and played through every struggle and hardship. They never let their loses get the better of them, and as a result, they kept their streak alive and won the game that they thought they were going to lose.
July 24, 2023
Second read of this book, love it
October 13, 2016
Neil Hayes is the author of when the game stands tall.The reason he wrote this book was because he was the on set consultant and the Assistant producer.
The book was written in chicago
The setting is at De La Salle
Characters Bob Ladouceur,Chris ryan,terrance kelly (tk),Tayshon Lanear,Danny Ladouceur,Terry Eidson Cam
The theme of this book would be football and family and teamwork.
There is two different plots.The first one is when they lose their streak .They have a 156 winning streak and one game changed that all.They had that streak for a couple of years and there was some kids that had brothers that helped in the winning streak and they said that they couldn’t look there brothers in their eyes they felt so ashamed.The other one is about when terrance kelly (tk) was shot he was playing basketball with some people from his neighborhood and they was joking around then he left and called his dad and his dad told him to get some gas in the car on his way home and when he got to the gas station he got a call from his friend and he asked him to come pick him up so he did and then he got there his friend took forever and then a guy ran up on his car and shot him
Symbolism is when they slide on the field and when they hold hands.When they slide on the field it shows that they are a team and that they know that they won the best game of their life and they got the streak back going.When they hold hands this shows that they are one whole team and that no matter what happens on that field they are going to be one big family after the game.They won't let any little thing get in between there bond as a family and that no matter the outcome of the game it won't break them.
“Wouldn't it be nice to have just one of their kids” Aliotti asks,referring to Long Beach Poly’s roster.”The person talking is one of the football players and he is saying this because all the Long Beach Poly’s football players was twice there size. “We’ve played horrible and we’re still shutting them out,” he tells this defense.” The person talking is the De la Salle football coach he is telling his team they are playing bad and that they are better than that but they are still shutting them out. “
The book was written in chicago
The setting is at De La Salle
Characters Bob Ladouceur,Chris ryan,terrance kelly (tk),Tayshon Lanear,Danny Ladouceur,Terry Eidson Cam
The theme of this book would be football and family and teamwork.
There is two different plots.The first one is when they lose their streak .They have a 156 winning streak and one game changed that all.They had that streak for a couple of years and there was some kids that had brothers that helped in the winning streak and they said that they couldn’t look there brothers in their eyes they felt so ashamed.The other one is about when terrance kelly (tk) was shot he was playing basketball with some people from his neighborhood and they was joking around then he left and called his dad and his dad told him to get some gas in the car on his way home and when he got to the gas station he got a call from his friend and he asked him to come pick him up so he did and then he got there his friend took forever and then a guy ran up on his car and shot him
Symbolism is when they slide on the field and when they hold hands.When they slide on the field it shows that they are a team and that they know that they won the best game of their life and they got the streak back going.When they hold hands this shows that they are one whole team and that no matter what happens on that field they are going to be one big family after the game.They won't let any little thing get in between there bond as a family and that no matter the outcome of the game it won't break them.
“Wouldn't it be nice to have just one of their kids” Aliotti asks,referring to Long Beach Poly’s roster.”The person talking is one of the football players and he is saying this because all the Long Beach Poly’s football players was twice there size. “We’ve played horrible and we’re still shutting them out,” he tells this defense.” The person talking is the De la Salle football coach he is telling his team they are playing bad and that they are better than that but they are still shutting them out. “
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December 15, 2014I think that the book When the Game Stands Tall is an awesome book to read. The book was very inspirational to read. I was inspired to try out for the football team after reading this book. The 2002 De La Salle football team was a powerhouse football team who had a 151 game undefeated record. I would encourage high school football players, coaches, and fans to read this book. A part of the book I found amazing was that the coach of De La Salle, Bob Ladouceur, had each player write down a goal they had for each game. Coach Ladouceur did this to help inspire the players and to keep them motivated. I wish I could have been able to see how hard the team worked and how well they worked together. Coach Ladouceur taught them that they needed each other in order to win. The first loss they encountered happened because the players decided not to play as a team. I was very shocked about how the coaching staff responded to the loss. They treated it as it never happened. The part that stood out to me is that one of the coaches said," it's football". They made sure that all of the players kept their composure as best as they could. It would be the most difficult thing to bounce back after a loss ending a streak even close to the one that De La Salle had. Coach Ladouceur created a program that was known for some of the best football to ever be played. Coach Ladouceur finished his coaching career 399-25-3.
January 9, 2015
This book so far has been the greatest football story I've ever heard. the movie is almost the same it is about a football team that goes on a streak of 52 wins. The crowed found a good name for them, the streak. But further in the book all the high schools don't want to play them. that's when their streak turns in them. To continue to play football they have to play better teams all around the U.S. This is when their football career turns on them.
October 19, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this history of local powerhouse De La Salle and the personalities involved in building their amazing football program. I enjoy learning about people who choose coaching kids as a profession and how they motive their teams to achieve their best.
October 21, 2014
Don't let the title deter you - Even though it says "Movie Edition" it has NOTHING to do with the movie except for pictures from the movie inserted in the book. This book was amazing, on par with "Friday Night Lights" book.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to read it -
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to read it -
January 15, 2015
قصة كفاح رياضية، واحدة من أحسن القصص اللي سمعتها أو قرأتها.
الكتاب في حد ذاته مسلي، وبيخليك تقف عند أجزاء معينة وتعيدها مرة واتنين وتلاتة.
الكتاب في حد ذاته مسلي، وبيخليك تقف عند أجزاء معينة وتعيدها مرة واتنين وتلاتة.
September 21, 2018
When the game stands tall by Neil Hayes
While reading When The Game Stands Tall I noticed it was a very unique book. The book makes you realize how sports at a high school level can be taken so serious. From the long summer mornings of lifting weights to the long night practices in the fall. This book brings you inside an elite high school football program and shows you ways that it’s ran. I have enjoyed reading this book but it could be alot better. I would have to give it three of five stars because the the time frame can be a bit confusing jumping. I also think they cover too long of time span jumping from chapters that were in the sixties to the early 2000s. But the thing I do love about the book is that they give a great inside view to a top tier high school program.
De La Salle High School is the only all boys catholic private high school in the county and they would be a unique school just for that. That's not the only unique thing about Da La Salle High, their football team has not lost a game in twelve years. The football program won one hundred fifty straight games from 1992 to 2004. While taking us through that journey they show the struggles during the streak and what they did after they lost there one hundred fifty game win streak. While reading this book I realized how mean coaches can be to kids who are fourteen through eighteen years old.
The main character in this book is the head coach Bob Ladouceur, Coach Bob has had an interesting path to end up coaching at De La Salle. Coming out of college, Bob was planning on being a probation officer helping out young troubled teens. Bob saw how bad the system was describing it as “putting bandaids on amputations”. After marrying his highschool sweetheart he knew he had to get out of his job either wanting to become a firefighter or a policemen. Coach Bob said he just wanted to make an impact on others lives. Bob would eventually return back to college to get another degree in Physical Education at St. Marys. Eventually in 1978, a previous De La Salle coach resigned which opened up the position for Bob. Coach Bob said he was not trying to build a dynasty he just wanted to coach a good football team, he said I never expected us to accomplish something like we have done.
De La Salle had some kids on their team with very special stories. Many of these kids have grown up in bad, dangerous schools and parents decided to send them to a safe private school. One kid that sticks out to me is Maurice Drew. Growing up at his old school, Maurice and his friends wore gang related clothing. A school officer figured out what their clothing meant and his mom got the news and sent him to De La Salle. That meant his grandpa had to drive him forty five minutes every day just to get to school. When I read this I knew the name Maurice Drew sounded familiar remembering he eventually made it to the NFL. Another player who stuck out to me was described by many as dominant on the field is Terrance Kelly. Terrance was in his senior year, committed to play football at Oregon university when he was shot and killed outside his brothers house. The whole De La Salle school was shocked when they heard about what happened.
If you like to read nonfiction books you will like this book. If you like sports books you will like it. But if you like nonfiction sports books this is a must read book. The only bad thing about this book is it seems like the book skips around. I do also like how it shows the hard work behind high school football. If you are a coach of any sport, I would read this because it can help you in many different ways.
While reading When The Game Stands Tall I noticed it was a very unique book. The book makes you realize how sports at a high school level can be taken so serious. From the long summer mornings of lifting weights to the long night practices in the fall. This book brings you inside an elite high school football program and shows you ways that it’s ran. I have enjoyed reading this book but it could be alot better. I would have to give it three of five stars because the the time frame can be a bit confusing jumping. I also think they cover too long of time span jumping from chapters that were in the sixties to the early 2000s. But the thing I do love about the book is that they give a great inside view to a top tier high school program.
De La Salle High School is the only all boys catholic private high school in the county and they would be a unique school just for that. That's not the only unique thing about Da La Salle High, their football team has not lost a game in twelve years. The football program won one hundred fifty straight games from 1992 to 2004. While taking us through that journey they show the struggles during the streak and what they did after they lost there one hundred fifty game win streak. While reading this book I realized how mean coaches can be to kids who are fourteen through eighteen years old.
The main character in this book is the head coach Bob Ladouceur, Coach Bob has had an interesting path to end up coaching at De La Salle. Coming out of college, Bob was planning on being a probation officer helping out young troubled teens. Bob saw how bad the system was describing it as “putting bandaids on amputations”. After marrying his highschool sweetheart he knew he had to get out of his job either wanting to become a firefighter or a policemen. Coach Bob said he just wanted to make an impact on others lives. Bob would eventually return back to college to get another degree in Physical Education at St. Marys. Eventually in 1978, a previous De La Salle coach resigned which opened up the position for Bob. Coach Bob said he was not trying to build a dynasty he just wanted to coach a good football team, he said I never expected us to accomplish something like we have done.
De La Salle had some kids on their team with very special stories. Many of these kids have grown up in bad, dangerous schools and parents decided to send them to a safe private school. One kid that sticks out to me is Maurice Drew. Growing up at his old school, Maurice and his friends wore gang related clothing. A school officer figured out what their clothing meant and his mom got the news and sent him to De La Salle. That meant his grandpa had to drive him forty five minutes every day just to get to school. When I read this I knew the name Maurice Drew sounded familiar remembering he eventually made it to the NFL. Another player who stuck out to me was described by many as dominant on the field is Terrance Kelly. Terrance was in his senior year, committed to play football at Oregon university when he was shot and killed outside his brothers house. The whole De La Salle school was shocked when they heard about what happened.
If you like to read nonfiction books you will like this book. If you like sports books you will like it. But if you like nonfiction sports books this is a must read book. The only bad thing about this book is it seems like the book skips around. I do also like how it shows the hard work behind high school football. If you are a coach of any sport, I would read this because it can help you in many different ways.
December 5, 2018
This book covers the 2002 De La Salle High School football season. De La Salle is a private, all-boys Catholic high school located in the city of Concord. And as many of you know or heard, the Spartans (the De La Salle mascot) holds the all-time record for the most consecutive wins in high school football. From 1992 through 2003, the team won 151 straight games under the coaching of legendary coach Bob Ladouceur. This book takes the reader on a journey through the 2002 season and shows the culture and history of De La Salle as a school and what makes them so different and successful compared to other schools. Although the 2002 De La Salle team did have some future NFL stars, their team wasn’t the most talented compared to other high schools in the nation. The 2002 De La Salle team lacked the size, speed, and just about every other skill that previous De La Salle teams possessed. Despite these challenges, head coach Bob Ladouceur kept the team a family by creating a close-knit community where teammates bonded and grew together as brothers. This helped the group battle through the challenging 2002 season, continuing The Streak which is what they called their winning streak. When the Game Stands Tall also goes into depth about the methods used by Ladouceur in keeping The Streak alive. He believes in making his players work harder than any other high school football team and pushes them, telling them that the work they put in will eventually pay off. With a career 343-22-1 record, it’s hard to argue with his system. A theme present throughout the whole book and movie is that perfection is impossible. This 2002 De La Salle team led by Bob Ladouceur accomplished great things and still hold the longest winning streak ever. Coach Lad never really cared a lot about The Streak nor did he center his program on just winning, but he cared more about showing his players how to live their lives and teaching them important morals/values. This team couldn’t keep the streak forever and it shows us that perfection is impossible, yet giving your best or utmost effort is what you should focus on as shown by the teachings of Bob Ladouceur. Bob always told his players to never give up and as a result, the players played with heart and gave it their all, but even through all this, nothing is perfect. What we can take away from this book is that we should give our one-hundred percent effort in everything we do even when perfection is not possible. The theme in this book teaches readers that perfection is impossible but instead of focusing on being perfect you should try your best in everything and never quit on things because that will lead to success and take you far in life.
November 1, 2017
"When the Game Stands Tall" is a novel based on a true story, written by Neil Hayes, that portrays all aspects of a great football team. This high school football team(De La Salle) has an implausible record of being undefeated for over 20 years. Throughout this book, Neil Hayes composes the language and descriptions to exemplify an overarching tone. A great aspect of the book is that the tone that is mainly shown in the book is a passionate and energetic tone. It contributes to the value of the story because it helps provide a sense that the De La Salle football team has to overcome adversity and stick together because their team is all that they have. I believe that without this emotional tone, I wouldn't feel a complete sense of the intensity of the sport in the eyes of the players.
Neil Hayes was able to understand the sentimental value of this team because he actually experienced this whole season up close. With this, he uses very descriptive metaphorical phrases to provide emphasis on the ups and downs of this team's season. I personally liked his use of metaphors because they help describe each character. In addition, all of the aspects of the life of each player and coach were exemplified which help describe the emotional side side of football. Without these metaphors, I would not have felt as if I was involved with the book, and it would be much harder to understand every quality and feature of the unity between the players.
Lastly, and most importantly, Neil Hayes loves to present his descriptions of writing through imagery. This imagery, I think, is the most crucial part to this novel because it assists Neil Hayes into making the reader believe that they are part of the team and in the moment. It is incredible how valuable the imagery is in this novel as it actually makes me feel like I am on the field, watching and analyzing each and every play and reaction. The imagery includes vivid depictions of vigorous moments throughout the season, which also gave me a strong emotional connection with everything that happened.
So, if you are into emotional, team-bonding books such as "Friday Night Lights," or if you have seen the movie "Remember the Titans," you will surely love this novel. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy any of these other stories because all of these non-fiction stories present touching journeys and the development of bonds with teammates that cannot be broken.
Neil Hayes was able to understand the sentimental value of this team because he actually experienced this whole season up close. With this, he uses very descriptive metaphorical phrases to provide emphasis on the ups and downs of this team's season. I personally liked his use of metaphors because they help describe each character. In addition, all of the aspects of the life of each player and coach were exemplified which help describe the emotional side side of football. Without these metaphors, I would not have felt as if I was involved with the book, and it would be much harder to understand every quality and feature of the unity between the players.
Lastly, and most importantly, Neil Hayes loves to present his descriptions of writing through imagery. This imagery, I think, is the most crucial part to this novel because it assists Neil Hayes into making the reader believe that they are part of the team and in the moment. It is incredible how valuable the imagery is in this novel as it actually makes me feel like I am on the field, watching and analyzing each and every play and reaction. The imagery includes vivid depictions of vigorous moments throughout the season, which also gave me a strong emotional connection with everything that happened.
So, if you are into emotional, team-bonding books such as "Friday Night Lights," or if you have seen the movie "Remember the Titans," you will surely love this novel. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy any of these other stories because all of these non-fiction stories present touching journeys and the development of bonds with teammates that cannot be broken.
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May 18, 2020In the book when the game stands tall there are some similarities but there are a whole lot more differences. For example right off the bat it starts off by going in depth with a lot of coaches around the district asking how he does it; how coach Ladouceur did it. Which was obviously winning that many games. But some other things about the book were it went deeper with the characters like it gave the main characters like Cam or Chris their own backstory on what's happening in their home. Which I thought was okay because some parts were interesting and others I just wanted to skip.
My thought on the book were it was a great book, but once again like my others it started slow because it was introducing everyone that would be in the story. But if you enjoy sports or competitive drive this is that book. Because when reading about how when TK got shot it's like you want to be in their next game fighting with them. Because when reading how the emotions of the people were like look could feel it in a way because there was so much more detail of the characters faces, and their body language instead of a quick picture in the movie.
I would give this book a 4.5 stars because I loved the competition factor put in and the only reason I am not giving it a 5 star because the book took longer to read than I thought. But I do recommend this book to anyone who likes sports. Because it inspires people to go harder in anything you do because you never know when it will be your last opportunity. And that's what this book taught me. Which was give it your all or don't bother to show up.
My thought on the book were it was a great book, but once again like my others it started slow because it was introducing everyone that would be in the story. But if you enjoy sports or competitive drive this is that book. Because when reading about how when TK got shot it's like you want to be in their next game fighting with them. Because when reading how the emotions of the people were like look could feel it in a way because there was so much more detail of the characters faces, and their body language instead of a quick picture in the movie.
I would give this book a 4.5 stars because I loved the competition factor put in and the only reason I am not giving it a 5 star because the book took longer to read than I thought. But I do recommend this book to anyone who likes sports. Because it inspires people to go harder in anything you do because you never know when it will be your last opportunity. And that's what this book taught me. Which was give it your all or don't bother to show up.
March 25, 2017
I really enjoyed the human elements of this story. The author was able to dig into the personalities of the coaches, the players and the school. The key elements for me were the open emotional honesty of the team to each other and the open criticism that comes with ownership.
The emotional honesty is a modern change in typically macho environments. More and more groups are finding that it is healthier to admit emotion than hide it, especialky with coworkers. This team is not adults so it makes sense that they can be more honest than a professional football team.
The ownership model is another modern change that shows in the coach taking equal rather than complete blame for losses. Aaron Rodgers does this too, and it gives ownership to the entire team. Now you can't expect so,eone to cover your ass freely, so you help cover everyone's ass. That collective is a stark contrast from the top-down leadership model often seen in sports.
Besides De La Salle, the author does a very good job characterizing their rivals and those rivals' concerns about De La Salle. Along with all the life lessons from the book, this notable ministory is an important part of context. You need to hear the rivals to get an understanding of what the communities are like and how they see this suburban Catholic school.
I recommend the book as a casual read. It took me about ten hours of reading time. You can even read it in combination with other books, mainly because it's easy to remember your place.
The emotional honesty is a modern change in typically macho environments. More and more groups are finding that it is healthier to admit emotion than hide it, especialky with coworkers. This team is not adults so it makes sense that they can be more honest than a professional football team.
The ownership model is another modern change that shows in the coach taking equal rather than complete blame for losses. Aaron Rodgers does this too, and it gives ownership to the entire team. Now you can't expect so,eone to cover your ass freely, so you help cover everyone's ass. That collective is a stark contrast from the top-down leadership model often seen in sports.
Besides De La Salle, the author does a very good job characterizing their rivals and those rivals' concerns about De La Salle. Along with all the life lessons from the book, this notable ministory is an important part of context. You need to hear the rivals to get an understanding of what the communities are like and how they see this suburban Catholic school.
I recommend the book as a casual read. It took me about ten hours of reading time. You can even read it in combination with other books, mainly because it's easy to remember your place.
December 7, 2018
In the book When the Game Stands Tall, we follow the journey of one of the nations best high school football teams, with an incredible win streak of 162 games through the 2002 season. The teams, led by head coach Bob Ladouceur, went through many trials and tribulations to get to that winning streak.
Coach Ladoceur not only made these boys into good football players, but he made them into even greater people. He taught them the importance of discipline and hard work. When players didn't buy into the program and were not disciplined, they would not be able to play football. As he states, "no man is bigger than the team." This book showed the behind the scenes of the most successful high school program in history and truly showed the characteristics that every team should have if they want to be successful not only in sports but also in life.
I would highly recommend this book as it is an inspiring story of trials and tribulations, turned into success. The book flows beautifully and is very easy to keep up with. The storyline helps keep the reader engaged throughout the whole book. I believe every coach, parent, athlete, or student should read this as it is a motivating book and will teach lessons that people can carry on to the rest of their lives.
Coach Ladoceur not only made these boys into good football players, but he made them into even greater people. He taught them the importance of discipline and hard work. When players didn't buy into the program and were not disciplined, they would not be able to play football. As he states, "no man is bigger than the team." This book showed the behind the scenes of the most successful high school program in history and truly showed the characteristics that every team should have if they want to be successful not only in sports but also in life.
I would highly recommend this book as it is an inspiring story of trials and tribulations, turned into success. The book flows beautifully and is very easy to keep up with. The storyline helps keep the reader engaged throughout the whole book. I believe every coach, parent, athlete, or student should read this as it is a motivating book and will teach lessons that people can carry on to the rest of their lives.
November 13, 2019
I think this is a well-written, valuable book but I can’t say I “enjoyed” it because it had a decent focus on football plays and technique that it bogged me down. However, Hayes did a good job of simplifying the play-by-play of each game so I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the technical aspect. I did enjoy the story and I highly respect Coach Lad. I like his focus on the individual, being in charge of yourself, and training for life, not just football. I am impressed by his determination, drive, composure, and love. It’s still a football program that’s tough, involves swearing, and yelling as is stereotypical of football, but at the same time it’s so much more. I think this book did a great job of going through the program’s history, milestone games, and the day-to-day process of a full season. It showed several opinions while trying to provide facts and convey the mindset. Overall, great nonfiction book.
And a favorite (funny) quote: “I remember talking to God after we scored. That’s the wrong person to talk to when you’re playing a Catholic school.” -Herc Pardi (Pittsburgh High)
And a favorite (funny) quote: “I remember talking to God after we scored. That’s the wrong person to talk to when you’re playing a Catholic school.” -Herc Pardi (Pittsburgh High)
May 16, 2021
This book primarily centers on Bob Ladouceur, the head football coach of De La Salle High School in Concord, CA and his unbeaten streak of 120+ straight games - the longest winning streak ever in national sports. Having grown up in the area, I was familiar with the school and a few of its players. Heck, I even had the opportunity to attend the premiere of the film based on this book at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, when it was released years ago. (Spoiler Alert: The book is better).
Mr. Hayes did a fantastic job of chronicling each game of the 2002 De La Salle football season, while interspersing every other chapter with highlights from past games and events of the football program.
After seeing all the excesses and politicization of professional sports the last few years, it was refreshing to just read a book about a highly successful high school football program with very little pretense about its own enormous success. Plus, it reads like a novel and doesn’t bog down at any point.
Mr. Hayes did a fantastic job of chronicling each game of the 2002 De La Salle football season, while interspersing every other chapter with highlights from past games and events of the football program.
After seeing all the excesses and politicization of professional sports the last few years, it was refreshing to just read a book about a highly successful high school football program with very little pretense about its own enormous success. Plus, it reads like a novel and doesn’t bog down at any point.
October 31, 2021
The book "When the Game Stands Tall" is one of my favorite non-fiction books i've ever read, and definitly the best non-fiction book about sports i've read. I'll have to say as a young play, hearing the story of the De La Salle Spartans who were undefeated for 13 seasons and to have that dedication on and off the field and before, after, and during the season is very motivational. When I first chose the book, I only knew it was about a really good high school football team with a winning streak. Little did I know, the De La Salle Spartans have the greatest win streak ever with 151 wins in a row and undefeated for 13 years; now that's dicipline, dedication, passion, hard work, and innovation in plays. It mentions many real events and plays throughout the years that show determination and the drive to win. But I have to say the humble ending of the book as the winning streak came to an end ws glorious, but you'll have to read to find out more about it.
December 12, 2018
“When the game stands tall” by Neil Hayes is a great sports book. The book follows De La Salle and their historic thirteen year run of one hundred fifty-one game winning streak. This book not only hi lights the ups but also the downs making the story more realistic therefore pulling interests in the reader. The book also goes a little behind the scenes and illustrates what goes on off the field for a football team. I personally do not really like reading but if you are a sports geek and love the atmosphere of sports especially football, this is the best choice for you. I like how the author illustrates great images in my mind as I read making the book like a movie.
August 9, 2020
Yea, this is one of the best books I’ve ever read
This high school coach won more games in a row than any other high school football coach
His philosophy was similar to mine, which is he went into it to grow kids, something he was not able to do in a previous job with kids
He did not yell a lot like most coaches
His main game plan was getting the kids to play, practice, and live an outstanding life for each other
It’s a shame that he did not lose sooner
I would attribute this to coaches having more selfish goals rather than the goals being for the team
I would recommend this book for every coach in any level
This high school coach won more games in a row than any other high school football coach
His philosophy was similar to mine, which is he went into it to grow kids, something he was not able to do in a previous job with kids
He did not yell a lot like most coaches
His main game plan was getting the kids to play, practice, and live an outstanding life for each other
It’s a shame that he did not lose sooner
I would attribute this to coaches having more selfish goals rather than the goals being for the team
I would recommend this book for every coach in any level
November 10, 2019
The wonderful story of Northern California's football powerhouse De La Salle and the personalities involved in building their amazing football program...an excellent examination into the character and motivations of those devoted to competition and Catholic education...Though people and their institutions are not perfect, it has reaffirmed decisions personally made concerning my children's educations and my motivations for being an educator and coach have been the right ones...Great Stuff!!!
May 8, 2017
I read the book When The Game Stands Tall. This book was very good and interesting. There is a coach with a 151 game winning streak. The coach doesn’t care about winning. He teaches the players about life and respect. There is more than football he always tells them. All the kids care about is winning. One of the senior’s is suppose to go play football at Oregon State, but one night he was on his way home from a work out and he got a call from his cousin to come pick him up. He called his grandma because he lives with her. He went to this house to pick him up. He looked around and waits for his cousin. But he doesn’t come out. He turned around and the next thing that happened was a horrible tragedy. This books was very good cause it talks about how short life can be.
February 28, 2018
I first watched the movie and wondered if there was a book about this true story and there was!! I love football and this book really shows how being brothers can help strengthen the team. This book also shows how faith can help guide you through things. I really loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves football.
September 6, 2021
This wasn’t so much about American Football as it was about how to run an organisation. They won a record 151 games in a row - this book chronicles how they did this and the people involved and showed it had little to do with focussing on winning but rather developing individual character and a love for each other.
March 21, 2018
The winning streak is not the main story here. It is about the coach and his philosophy towards life and how he used football to teach it to his players. Not focusing on winning made him the coach of a 151 game winning streak.
January 3, 2019
I highly recommend this book
January 18, 2019
An inspiring story of how a coach with principles and high expectations can have a lasting impact on high school athletes.
October 28, 2019
Albeit because of my live for football, this is my favorite sports book of all time
October 14, 2020
Would recommend if you like sports especially football.
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