The New Boys At Oakdale
The new boys at Oakdale explores the internal tensions of a high school baseball team as players contend with pressure, pride, and the evolving bonds of group identity. The story captures the emotional landscape of adolescence, particularly how individuals respond to shared goals under strain. From the opening game, frustration and disorder erupt as crucial errors shift the game s outcome, bringing to light the fragility of team cohesion. Miscommunications and insubordination disrupt the flow of play, sparking disputes that reflect deeper undercurrents of pride and distrust. While the game serves as a backdrop, the real drama unfolds in the reactions of the players some responding with frustration, others with resilience. The narrative traces the friction that arises when individual ambition threatens group unity and how such moments shape both character and community. Conflicting impulses of rivalry and loyalty complicate team dynamics, as key figures attempt to assert leadership or defy it. With subtle insight into adolescent psychology, the story invites readers to consider how the arena of sports becomes a stage for personal growth, collective struggle, and emotional reckoning.
The Royal Box
Jack Emery is an NCAA champion struggling to make the Association of Tennis Professionals tour and fulfill his dream of playing at Wimbledon. Little does he know that a reporter, Rachel Baxter, who's taken an interest in his career, is actually a Mossad agent working undercover to stop a deadly attack on Wimbledon's Royal Box. Jack's temper and insecurities have made him a pariah with the sport's elitist establishment, while Rachel is still dealing with the guilt of a previous partner's death. The two must come together to take down a deadly terror cell committed to murdering 77 of the world's most prominent leaders and thousands of fans at tennis's most prestigious event. From the war-torn streets of Gaza to Wimbledon's refined center court, Jack's ascendancy in the game becomes integral to Rachel's formidable assignment. As they grow from acquaintances, to friends, to fighters; the two embark on a global journey, where life and death hangs in the balance at every turn. Together they will uncover what being a champion really means.
Shouting The Odds
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND, March 1995: When twenty-three year old postman Andy Cooper and his dad Ron return home from watching their beloved Notts County win at Wembley, they discover to their horror that Andy's mum Marie has died. Unable to process the death of his wife, Ron wrongly blames his son for forcing him into going to the game and becomes a drunken recluse, leaving Andy to mourn the death of his mum alone.On his way home from work a few months later, Andy is forced to take shelter from a rainstorm in what turns out to be his local betting shop where he has a life changing experience; and after almost coming to blows with his dad on the way home from the cemetery a few days later, decides he's had enough. In an effort to regain control over his life, he sets himself a one year target to win enough money on the horses to escape Nottingham and his dad for good. However, it isn't long before he discovers that even the best laid plans rarely work out the way you would expect ...
A Scarlet Knight
Heather Prince never wanted to make history, she just wanted to wrestle.In A Scarlet Knight, Mickey Copp delivers a raw and inspiring coming-of-age sports drama about Heather Prince, a fierce and determined high school girl who dares to break into the last male-dominated sport: wrestling. Facing relentless sexism, physical intimidation, and emotional isolation, Heather pushes past every barrier with strength, wit, and courage. This gripping novel is more than a sports story, it's a powerful narrative about resilience, gender equity, and pursuing your true passion against all odds. Readers will root for Heather as she pins down prejudices and fights for her rightful place on the mat. Perfect for fans of sports fiction, strong female leads, and motivational stories that challenge social norms.
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? Life Lessons From An Amateur Triathlete
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? isn't your typical athlete memoir. It's a refreshingly honest, self-deprecating, and inspiring look into the life of someone who stumbled into triathlon with zero sporting pedigree and ended up representing his country on the world stage.Told through vivid storytelling, heartfelt reflections, and a good dose of British wit, Pete Eggleston charts his two-decade journey as an amateur triathlete. From barely surviving his first front crawl length to narrowly missing international podiums, he shares not just race-day highs and lows-but the real-life lessons learned along the way.This book isn't just for triathletes. It's for anyone curious about pushing limits, recovering from setbacks, rediscovering passion, or simply finding joy in the challenge. Whether it's navigating burnout, grief, professional pivots, or the mental battles between your ears, Pete shows how sport can quietly reshape your beliefs, values, and identity.You won't find elite training plans or tales of superhuman feats here. What you will find is a relatable, funny, and moving exploration of what it means to pursue something wholeheartedly, regardless of where you start or how long it takes.If you've ever stood at a start line-of a race, a career, or a new chapter in life-and asked, "What am I doing here?" This book is for you.
A Scarlet Knight
Heather Prince never wanted to make history, she just wanted to wrestle.In A Scarlet Knight, Mickey Copp delivers a raw and inspiring coming-of-age sports drama about Heather Prince, a fierce and determined high school girl who dares to break into the last male-dominated sport: wrestling. Facing relentless sexism, physical intimidation, and emotional isolation, Heather pushes past every barrier with strength, wit, and courage. This gripping novel is more than a sports story, it's a powerful narrative about resilience, gender equity, and pursuing your true passion against all odds. Readers will root for Heather as she pins down prejudices and fights for her rightful place on the mat. Perfect for fans of sports fiction, strong female leads, and motivational stories that challenge social norms.
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? Life Lessons From An Amateur Triathlete
What Has Triathlon Ever Done for Me? isn't your typical athlete memoir. It's a refreshingly honest, self-deprecating, and inspiring look into the life of someone who stumbled into triathlon with zero sporting pedigree and ended up representing his country on the world stage.Told through vivid storytelling, heartfelt reflections, and a good dose of British wit, Pete Eggleston charts his two-decade journey as an amateur triathlete. From barely surviving his first front crawl length to narrowly missing international podiums, he shares not just race-day highs and lows-but the real-life lessons learned along the way.This book isn't just for triathletes. It's for anyone curious about pushing limits, recovering from setbacks, rediscovering passion, or simply finding joy in the challenge. Whether it's navigating burnout, grief, professional pivots, or the mental battles between your ears, Pete shows how sport can quietly reshape your beliefs, values, and identity.You won't find elite training plans or tales of superhuman feats here. What you will find is a relatable, funny, and moving exploration of what it means to pursue something wholeheartedly, regardless of where you start or how long it takes.If you've ever stood at a start line-of a race, a career, or a new chapter in life-and asked, "What am I doing here?" This book is for you.
Left End Edwards
Left end Edwards explores the excitement and challenges of entering a new chapter of school life, focusing on two boys beginning at a prestigious academy. The novel enhances ideas of friendship, personal growth, and the demands of adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, particularly through the lens of sports and competition. It opens with a portrayal of a young student eager yet uncertain, caught between the expectations of family and the anticipation of new experiences. Through early school interactions, the narrative examines the dynamics of forming bonds, handling humorous mix-ups, and navigating the blend of academic demands and athletic pursuits. Without focusing on specific plot details, the novel reflects on the broader pressures and joys of youth, the search for belonging, and the way young people negotiate their identities within structured environments. The story highlights how humor, misunderstanding, and shared goals shape the paths of students trying to prove themselves both in the classroom and on the playing field, offering insights into the nature of adolescent resilience, loyalty, and ambition.
Rivals For The Team A Story Of School Life And Football
Rivals for the team: A story of school life and football explores the intense energy of youthful ambition and the pressures of proving oneself in a competitive school setting. Within the backdrop of a prep school, the novel immerses readers in the tension between personal growth and the collective demands of a sports team. It enhances the portrayal of the excitement and restlessness that comes with seasonal change, shifting from carefree summer days to the structured demands of academic and athletic life. The story reflects on the emotional currents running beneath school traditions, the importance of loyalty, and the subtle push and pull between individual identity and the expectations of a group. Football becomes more than just a game; it serves as a lens through which the characters confront discipline, resilience, and the meaning of belonging. The novel draws attention to how new environments and unfamiliar personalities challenge comfort zones, making space for reflection on acceptance and adaptability. It enriches the exploration of how youthful bonds are shaped, tested, and strengthened when set against the backdrop of competition and change, ultimately capturing the universal struggles of finding one s place within a dynamic social world.
The Purple Pennant
The purple pennant enhances the exploration of youthful ambition, creativity, and the balancing act between imagination and discipline. Set against the backdrop of high school athletics, the novel reflects on the excitement of chasing personal goals while navigating the expectations of a competitive environment. It emphasizes the dynamic tension between artistic expression and the physical demands of sports, drawing attention to how young minds juggle diverse interests. The story deepens the portrayal of friendship as a driving force, where playful banter and mutual encouragement create a foundation for growth and resilience. It enriches the atmosphere of springtime renewal, blending humor with the restless energy of adolescence and the anticipation of new challenges. The narrative examines how ambition pushes individuals to explore unfamiliar paths, whether through creative ventures or athletic pursuits, while revealing the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Ultimately, the novel offers a reflection on how the trials of youth, framed by competition and creativity, shape identity and character, leaving readers with a sense of the vibrancy and unpredictability of teenage life.
Nid And Nod
Nid and Nod follows the journey of twin brothers attending a boarding school where sports, friendship, and loyalty shape their experience. The narrative immerses readers in school life, marked by lively moments at a local soda shop where conversations about sports and personal aspirations take center stage. The twins, alongside a determined but self-conscious friend eager to join the baseball team, confront the challenges of adolescence and belonging. The novel reflects the efforts to support one another through the ups and downs of school pressures and personal goals. Early scenes highlight the blend of humor, social interaction, and the tension between self-image and ambition, particularly as the characters navigate the social dynamics of their peers and the significance of athletic achievement. As the story unfolds, it builds on the importance of perseverance, collective encouragement, and resilience. Through a mixture of lighthearted exchanges and serious undertakings, the book captures the essence of youthful determination and the deep bonds that form when friends stand together to face obstacles.
Right Tackle Todd
Right Tackle Todd follows a young man navigating the challenges of high school life, especially in the context of football. The protagonist is somewhat awkward but well-meaning, facing personal struggles and seeking camaraderie. The opening introduces two students engaging in a discussion about diversity at their academy, which is interrupted by the arrival of a newcomer. This newcomer stands out due to his peculiar clothing and mannerisms. He seeks to join the football team, despite lacking confidence in his abilities and struggling with self-doubt. The early scenes set up a story of acceptance, self-discovery, and growth. As the protagonist works to fit in and prove himself, the story explores themes of perseverance, individuality, and the importance of teamwork. The football field becomes a place of transformation, where the protagonist learns not only about the sport but about himself and the value of working together with others toward a common goal.
The Turner Twins
The Turner Twins is a novel about two brothers adjusting to life at a new boarding school after leaving California. The story follows their experiences as they face the challenges of fitting in, making friends, and excelling in sports, particularly football. The brothers, though identical in appearance, have distinct personalities, which shapes their interactions with others. Their arrival at the school is filled with playful exchanges and humorous moments, such as a chance encounter with a girl. This sets the tone for their shared journey as they express concerns about their new environment and the pressure to fit in. As the story unfolds, the brothers' camaraderie and determination to succeed become central to their development. The early chapters lay the groundwork for a tale of friendship, personal growth, and competition, as they navigate the pressures of their new school while striving to uphold family honor and thrive in a competitive atmosphere.
Fourth Down!
Fourth down! is a young adult sports novel that captures the lives of students at a boarding school as they navigate friendship, competition, and the pressures of school and athletics. The story opens with students returning after summer vacation, filled with mixed emotions about leaving behind the freedom of summer for the rigid routines of academic life. A tense moment during the train ride, when a boxcar unexpectedly blocks the tracks, signals the unexpected challenges ahead. Once back on campus, the school s vibrant social and athletic landscape unfolds, focusing on the pressures of maintaining friendships, supporting struggling classmates, and preparing for the football season. The narrative explores the balancing act between academics, sports, and personal growth, portraying the tension between ambition and loyalty. As the students face tests of character on and off the field, the novel underscores the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and moral integrity. Through moments of humor and tension, the story delves into the coming-of-age struggles that shape identity and resilience during formative school years.
Right End Emerson
Right End Emerson presents a story of youthful ambition, determination, and the balancing act between academic life and entrepreneurial dreams. A student at Alton Academy navigates the pressures of school while teaming up with a roommate to open a sporting goods shop named The Sign of the Football. The novel portrays the journey as they juggle business responsibilities, athletic commitments, and social relationships, painting a vivid picture of school life and the energy surrounding football culture. Early scenes introduce a hardworking nature, shown through a stint as a hotel waiter and efforts to set up the store despite limited funds. The narrative highlights the competitive spirit at the academy, where success is sought both on the football field and in entrepreneurial ventures. As the year progresses, obstacles arise that test resilience and creativity, shaping character and strengthening friendships. This novel ultimately captures the excitement, struggle, and triumph of youthful ambition, with valuable lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and self-belief developing across the school year.
Cross Check!
Barney Holden was one tough character, like most of the hockey players in the 1900's. He played every game as if it was his last. Motivated by the chance to escape the Manitoba lumber mills for three months out of the year, he played in the United States for fun and money. He played at a time when there was little protective gear; "slashing" below the knees was still acceptable; and on-ice fist fights were expected and encouraged. When the first professional hockey league dissolved in 1907, Holden and other hockey pioneers returned to Canada demanding huge salaries. Hockey was never the same again.
Forward Pass A Story Of The "New Football"
Forward pass: A story of the "New Football" enhances the exploration of youth, ambition, and personal growth as the protagonist navigates new environments and challenges. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious school, the narrative examines the excitement and trepidation that come with stepping into unfamiliar territories, driven by dreams of academic and athletic success. The story delves into the complexities of friendship, emphasizing how bonds form and evolve in response to different personalities and social dynamics. It also highlights the tensions between the desire to fit in and the pursuit of individual aspirations, especially in the context of team sports and competition. As the protagonist faces the trials of adaptation, the novel reflects on resilience, the importance of perseverance, and the way youth are shaped by their experiences outside the comfort of home. Ultimately, the narrative offers insights into the broader lessons of teamwork, competition, and self-discovery that accompany the transition from a close-knit hometown to the expansive world of boarding school life.
The Junior Trophy
The junior trophy is a coming-of-age novel that explores the challenges of adjusting to a new school environment and the complexities of social dynamics. The protagonist arrives at an academy with a sense of both excitement and anxiety, soon finding himself facing the reality of class hierarchies and the struggle for independence. Initially met with resistance from peers, particularly a roommate, the protagonist must navigate the delicate balance between asserting himself and learning to coexist in a competitive and often hostile environment. As he becomes more integrated into the academy, he encounters opportunities to form meaningful friendships while also grappling with rivalries and the pressures of school life. The narrative captures the tension between personal growth and the need for acceptance, highlighting the spirit of competition and the ways in which social standing influences relationships. Ultimately, the protagonist s journey is one of self-discovery, where the lessons learned from navigating school life shape his understanding of camaraderie, personal integrity, and the pursuit of individual goals in a competitive setting.
The Big League
Step up to the plate with 璽€œThe Big League, 璽€ a humorous and engaging baseball novel by Charles Emmett Van Loan. First published in the early 20th century, this classic tale captures the spirit of America's favorite pastime with wit and charm. Follow the antics of a colorful cast of characters as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of professional baseball. Van Loan's storytelling brings the early days of the sport to life, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Experience the camaraderie, rivalries, and unexpected twists that define the game. 璽€œThe Big League璽€ is a delightful read for baseball fans and anyone who enjoys a lighthearted, nostalgic journey.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Big League
Step up to the plate with 璽€œThe Big League, 璽€ a humorous and engaging baseball novel by Charles Emmett Van Loan. First published in the early 20th century, this classic tale captures the spirit of America's favorite pastime with wit and charm. Follow the antics of a colorful cast of characters as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of professional baseball. Van Loan's storytelling brings the early days of the sport to life, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Experience the camaraderie, rivalries, and unexpected twists that define the game. 璽€œThe Big League璽€ is a delightful read for baseball fans and anyone who enjoys a lighthearted, nostalgic journey.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The System 6x6 Framework
The System(TM) 6x6 Framework is not just another training book-it's a comprehensive, precision-based performance system engineered to help cyclists, endurance athletes, and driven individuals break through plateaus, train with purpose, and achieve mastery in every area of performance.Developed by David Lipscomb, a veteran performance coach with over 30 years of experience, this groundbreaking framework blends science, strategy, and structure. Drawing from elite coaching methods, Six Sigma discipline, and martial arts philosophy, it delivers a clear path from raw potential to high-level execution.Inside this book, you'll learn how to: - Train smarter using targeted endurance and power strategies- Master energy systems and neuromuscular execution for sustainable gains- Build mental resilience and leadership skills that drive long-term success- Apply 36 core elements across physical training, emotional intelligence, and performance coaching- Leverage the meaning of 102 in numerology as a symbol of structured transformationThis 66-page blueprint is concise, powerful, and built for action. Whether you're aiming to improve your cycling, compete at a higher level, or lead with clarity and confidence, The System(TM) 6x6 delivers the tools, structure, and mindset to help you get there.If you're ready to go beyond guesswork and unlock true performance, this book is your starting line.
Cleveland Curse Volume One
Grandpa, why do the Browns always lose?On December 27, 1964, the Cleveland Browns football team embarrassed the Baltimore Colts in the 32nd Championship Game, shutting them out 27-0. Little did fans know that it would mark the last time the Browns would win the big game. In fact, the closest they have come since then was losing three times to the Denver Broncos in 1986, 1987, and 1989, due to a combination of player mishaps and bad luck. The team's misfortune bottomed out in 2017 when they finished the season with an abysmal 0-16 record.Cleveland Curse, volume one in a series, is an entertaining allegory that offers an intriguing explanation why the team and their fans have suffered such devastating pain and suffering all these years: They are cursed. The journey begins on December 26, 1964, when team owner Art Modell meets a mysterious stranger smartly dressed in a suit and long, dark gray cashmere overcoat who presents some papers for him to sign that he says will ensure a Championship win for the Browns the following day. Is Modell making a deal with the Devil that would forever seal their fate?
Gods of Willow
Twenty-one-year-old Kabir Menon loves living in Hyderabad, has no idea what he wants to do with his life and believes that his fate is inexorably linked to the fortunes of the Indian cricket team. In the land of super-powered deities, the only ones that matter to him are gods made on the cricket pitch. But when divisive forces unspool the peace in his multi-cultural community, Kabir unwittingly finds himself embroiled in the conflict. Forced to move to Mumbai, he navigates love, purpose and a sense of belonging amongst a colourful cast of characters. The ensuing coming-of-age story is an unforgettably hilarious and pacy rendering of what it means to find your place in the world and the choices you make to get there. Set at the turn of the millennium when India was shifting gears, Amrish Kumar's sparkling debut is a story of many firsts, in equal parts charming and convincing.
Hilde & Tommy
Hilde & Tommy - this is the authentic love story between Hilde, the youngest daughter of Fritz Gehr, director of the world-famous German NSU vehicle factory, and the legendary English motorcycle racer Tom "Tommy" Bullus. The book provides a unique insight into the eventful history of the company up to the end of the Weimar Republic as well as the incredible story of the exceptional talent Bullus. The author Susanne Schartel, great-granddaughter of the NSU director's family, skilfully interweaves the stories and personal notes of her ancestors with meticulously researched historical facts. She describes in a captivating way how fateful and momentous the first visit of the likeable chap from Yorkshire to Neckarsulm in December 1929 was for both sides. She also allows the reader to participate in the eventful life of the Swabian entrepreneurial family as well as the most important motorcycle racing events and other current affairs of the time. The richly illustrated biographical novel contains over 400 never-before-published documents and photographs from the family estate, the archives of various motoring organisations as well as from private collections and many other sources. Neckarsulm 1924: Hilde, the pretty youngest daughter of the NSU director, lives a carefree life full of comforts with her family at "Villa Gehr" on the edge of the factory grounds. Her father has been with the company for 20 years, which has developed from a knitting machine factory into one of the world's leading bicycle, motorbike and car manufacturers and is celebrating its 50th anniversary today. Hilde's light-hearted life is clouded in the late 1920s by the economic problems in the country and in her father's company. In addition, her two older sisters marry and move out of the family home. Hilde wonders whether she too will find her personal happiness one day. Will there be a dashing go-getter with heart and humour out there for her? Isle of Man 1925: a dream comes true for 18-year-old
Rolling Back the River
"Rolling Back the River is a lyrical and unflinching journey through wild streams, wild hearts, and the wilderness of loss. With humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Paul Guernsey reminds us that the rivers we love--and the lives we build--can never flow backward." --Joshua Caldwell, fly fisher, director of the feature film Mending the Line While fly-fishing on a remote river in southern Argentina, a veteran outdoor writer from Maine finds himself swept into a cascade of bizarre events, all connected to an enigmatic, billionaire environmentalist and his cosmopolitan twin nieces. Vincent Mapp, former adventure-traveling editor-in-chief for an international fly-fishing magazine, now leads a life centered around teaching at a small Maine environmental college and obsessively fishing his home waters for just about anything that swims. But after his wife of many years abruptly upends his world by ditching him for someone who doesn't fish all the time, Vincent decides to accept one last far-flung assignment as a fly-fishing journalist, and he heads off to Patagonia with the goal of catching some of the few remaining, fast disappearing, Argentinian landlocked salmon--all of which are descended from fish originally introduced to Argentina from Maine. Even at the literal end of the earth, however, and exploring an enchanted landscape of devastating beauty, Vincent finds himself unable to avoid conflict. He arrives at an isolated ranch on the Perca River just as a mysterious predator has begun attacking pets and livestock--and it's not long before he experiences his own terrifying nighttime run-in with the creature. He also discovers that the reclusive American owner of an adjacent ranch--multi-billionaire wildlife conservationist and avid fly-angler J.T. Allman--has been commissioning some unsettling environmental experiments on his vast property. One serious complication in Vincent's attempts to get to the bottom of all the strangeness: Allman holds a simmering 20-year-old grudge against him for events connected to his time as a magazine editor. Turbulent waters become increasing treacherous after Allman's cultured, equestrian, and attractive twin nieces, unaware of their elderly uncle's animosity toward Vincent, invite him to a bizarre festival on the grounds of the Allman estate. Through it all, Vincent and his faithful fishing guide, Sancho Nelson, try very hard to catch some salmon.
