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Too Small to Win: How a Small-Town Team Beat All Odds in One of the Greatest Underdog Stories in the History of Sports
You wouldn’t think a tiny place like Caldwell, Ohio—a village with three traffic lights and a population under 2,000 in the Appalachian foothills –-would become a cross country hotbed. But in the 1980’s, a group of determined young runners from this small rural town, defied the odds, fought their way to the top, and went on to be recognized as the best high school boys cross country team in America.
Their journey to greatness wasn’t solely based on athleticism. It was fueled by teamwork, commitment to excellence, challenging terrain, mental toughness, and the fearlessness to race against schools 10 times Caldwell’s size.
In Too Small to Win you’ll discover the true story of the Caldwell High School boys’ Cross country team’s improbable rise from 1983 through 1986 - the beginning of a dynasty. You’ll learn about the exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows of their unforgettable race for greatness and the legacy they left behind.
The underdog story is recounted by Coach Ron Martin and the runners who have carried the lessons they learned in cross country into their personal and professional lives.
The book also includes Coach Martin’s 10 “keys to success”- those factors that were critical to the team’s remarkable progress.
This David-vs.-Goliath tale of triumph over adversity reminds us that size and circumstances alone do not determine our outcomes.
Don’t miss this gripping tale of perseverance, grit, and triumph that will leave you awestruck and inspired!
Their journey to greatness wasn’t solely based on athleticism. It was fueled by teamwork, commitment to excellence, challenging terrain, mental toughness, and the fearlessness to race against schools 10 times Caldwell’s size.
In Too Small to Win you’ll discover the true story of the Caldwell High School boys’ Cross country team’s improbable rise from 1983 through 1986 - the beginning of a dynasty. You’ll learn about the exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows of their unforgettable race for greatness and the legacy they left behind.
The underdog story is recounted by Coach Ron Martin and the runners who have carried the lessons they learned in cross country into their personal and professional lives.
The book also includes Coach Martin’s 10 “keys to success”- those factors that were critical to the team’s remarkable progress.
This David-vs.-Goliath tale of triumph over adversity reminds us that size and circumstances alone do not determine our outcomes.
Don’t miss this gripping tale of perseverance, grit, and triumph that will leave you awestruck and inspired!
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
6 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 30, 2025
A story so well told that you can smell the outdoors and hear the breathing
Being from a small town myself I know how hard it is to believe in achieving real lasting greatness. Here is the story of a man and his wife who were able to do just that with the the few cards they were dealt, normal teenage boys who had hand-me-down uniforms and best up running shoes. This couple, Ron and Bev, created a safe believing environment for these kids, and the entire story is laid out here in these pages. I am so glad I've taken the initiative to read this. The inclusion of color photographs is a nice touch. I will immediately recommend this to two others.
Being from a small town myself I know how hard it is to believe in achieving real lasting greatness. Here is the story of a man and his wife who were able to do just that with the the few cards they were dealt, normal teenage boys who had hand-me-down uniforms and best up running shoes. This couple, Ron and Bev, created a safe believing environment for these kids, and the entire story is laid out here in these pages. I am so glad I've taken the initiative to read this. The inclusion of color photographs is a nice touch. I will immediately recommend this to two others.
June 8, 2025
Great and inspiring! I want to join the 500 mile club as well one day
October 14, 2025
Very inspirational book that shows what hard work and belief in each other and the training program can deliver. It is unbelievable what this group from a small school were able to accomplish.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews