About the Book
I was already a struggling young varsity head coach when the bottom dropped out on me and my team. My best returning player was injured in the summer. Out for the year. We both were devastated. Having read H. Jackson Brown's "Life's Little Instruction Book," I decided to write a similar list in honor of my fallen player, only this list was written from the standpoint of helping a young athlete do everything he could towards becoming a champion...on and off the field. Presenting the CHAMPION ATHLETE'S HANDBOOK to my star player (after the expected dismal season) was among my most gratifying experiences as a coach.
The following year my player returned...better than ever. More than his actual ability, it was his leadership and model as a teammate that raised our squad to levels we had never come close to approaching. On a daily basis, I would hear him quoting from the book to his teammates. And seemingly out of nowhere, our team -- which had been a perennial early round loser -- suddenly found itself in the state semifinals.
From that time forward, I made a point of giving the CHAMPION ATHLETE'S HANDBOOK to all my players. The results have been astonishing. Since the 2000 season, our team has won more games (both in the regular season and in the tournament) than any other boys soccer team in Ohio. In 2002 and 2003, we did what no other high school soccer team in our state has ever accomplished in going undefeated for 46 consecutive games...and winning back-to-back State Championships. But more than all the wins and all the titles, it is impossible to describe the pride I feel in seeing the boys try to live the book. To see the boys doing everything they can to help themselves play as hard as they possibly could every second on the field. To see the boys doing everything they could to keep their team as together as possible...in good times and under the harshest of adversity. To see the boys making every effort to act with class, even in situations where anything less than the highest character might have seen them going the other way. There is no higher high for a coach than watching his or her team raise a State Championship trophy to the sky, but years removed from those fleeting moments of glory, I take more satisfaction in seeing what type of adults every one of my players has become. They lived the book when they played for me. From what I see, they continue to live the book today.
It is my hope that you might know a young athlete who wants to do what it takes to be a champion, both inside and outside the athletic arena. It is my hope that you will give him or her the opportunity to live the CHAMPION ATHLETE'S HANDBOOK.
— Jon Unger describing his Champion Athlete's Handbook
“I have coached [Jon Unger] as a player, coached with him on the same coaching staff, and observed his coaching as a fan. Jon has the unique ability to take individuals and teams to a championship level. You will enjoy reading his thoughts and ideas on becoming a champion.”
—Jim Reynolds, Recipient of the 2007 Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Sportsmanship Award.
“Jon represents all that is right in high school coaching. Even though his remarkable success is almost unmatched, the wins and losses aren't his ultimate goal. Challenging and building young student-athletes to be better than they are right now…to grow through their experience in sport…that is his passion and why this book is a must read for any coach who wants to impact his or her young student-athletes.”
—Jason Spodnik, Head Coach of the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Boys Varsity soccer team, two-time State Champions
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