Chasing Excellence: The Remarkable Life and Inspiring Vigilosophy of Coach Joe I. Vigil

by Pat Melgares

Dr. Joe I. Vigil—known simply as “Coach” to virtually everybody he has ever met—rose from poverty to become a towering figure in the running world. Coach has won 19 national championships and coached 425 All-Americans, 22 Olympians...and an army of “Vigilantes” who seek to emulate his unique blend of compassion, competitive spirit, and commitment to others.
In this long-overdue biography about America’s preeminent distance-running coach, author and Vigilante Pat Melgares shares Coach Vigil’s tale not just through the consummate storyteller’s own words but also through those of more than 50 family members, friends, former runners, and foes who have been shaped by his presence over a lifetime.
Coach Vigil is driven by a persistent desire to learn, a deep faith in people, and an unwavering loyalty to his hometown of Alamosa, Colorado. His life is an American dream—a must-read for anyone who loves an underdog or seeks to understand the timeless qualities that forge a leader.
Chasing excellence. It has been Coach Vigil’s mantra for decades, for himself and those he teaches. At age 90, he’s as relentless as ever in that quest.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2020

About the author

Pat Melgares is a public information officer and communications specialist at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

He is a 1989 graduate in English/journalism from Adams State College in his hometown Alamosa, Colorado, where he also starred as a four-time cross country and track and field All American.

He has combined his love for writing and distance running in his first full-length book, a biography of legendary U.S. distance running coach Joe I. Vigil.

Pat's professional career began as a sports and news editor in high school, college and at The Valley Courier in Alamosa. In 1994, he became the public information officer at Adams State College. He has been at Kansas State University since 1998.

Reviews

[Becky Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit I’m biased, having had Coach as a mentor for about a decade now, but Chasing Excellence nails the almost impossible task of capturing the legend that is Joe Vigil in words. Only a writer that knows and appreciates Coach could pull this off, and Melgares did so spectacularly. This is a must read for distance runners, sports fans, and those looking for a template for a full, vibrant, impactful life, no matter what the pursuit or calling.

[Marie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attempting to capture Coach Vigil in a book seems like it would be nearly impossible, but this was really nicely done. I walked away feeling very inspired, much more informed (I had no idea he helped start the US Olympic Marathon Trials!), and incredibly grateful for his contributions to the sport and to the world.

[Herman A.]

Pat Melgares has skillfully paced his documented account on the nationally and internationally acclaimed coach and scholar Dr. Joe I. Vigil, as though strategically navigating a collegiate 10 kilometer distance race. Employing a tactful distance runner's agility that speaks in narrative of Coach Vigil's ascending career into the NAIA and NCAA intercollegiate athletic sphere; whose procilivity as a national practicing authority on High Altitude training, lifts the curtain on Chasing Excellence.
The author weaves his personal athletic experience, blending a breadth of interviews and global events of human drama inviting one to sense the emotions and ever-impressive variety of voices whose narratives highlight career paths of goal achieving athletes and their distinguished Hall of Fame coach.
Pat Melgares produces this finely scripted pyramid portrayal of student athlete design, orchestrating imagined, challenging yet attainable victory paths as team members of "Los Vigilantes" at Adams State University...A universal story that embraces a treasured Alamosa, Colorado hometown spirit.
Herman A. Martínez
Alamosa, Colorado

[Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for runners and coaches alike. Coach Vigil is one of the most, if not the most, important running coaches in the last 50 years. He defines excellence. I've been a student of running and I have tried to read most running books published in the last 50 years. Vigil's 'Road to The Top' written in 1995 is a Classic For All Time and is more workout oriented. Chasing Excellence is more about the life of this great coach and his philosophy. I'm really glad Pat Melgares took the time and work to write this important chapter in running history.

[Cymiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this as it hits close to home since Joe Vigil coached for a number of years at my alma mater, Adams State University, AND my dad knew Coach Vigil, too! Its great to have his remarkable life documented but one will not find anything critical of Coach Vigil in this biography.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book i have read in a long time.

[Isley Forrester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed immensely! Going to share w my daddy.