Sunday, November 8, 2009

I Don't Mind Hitting Bottom, I Just Hate Dragging

My dad's book is here at last!!
I received my copy yesterday and read it cover to cover in a few hours, it is co-written by Kyle Whelliston. My dad and Kyle met in 2006 when Kyle wrote this article for ESPN.com. The forewards were written by Stephen Covey and Hubie Brown.
The book touches on some of my dad's experiences from being born with a face deformity, growing up in the housing projects and being beat by his dad for not quitting school. He covers the highlights and low lights of his basketball career as a player and later as a coach. He also talks about the lowest point, the 1996-1997 basketball season at Brigham Young University. I was a little surprised by the insight that he put in the book. He mentioned a few things that happened at BYU that I haven't heard him talk about before, other than to family and close friends. I'm glad he did include it in the book because it is what happened.
I remember after that experience he used to say, "they can take my job but they can't take my dream". Three LONG years later Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw Georgia gave the man with a dream, the job. Four years after that the dream came true with a Division II national championship win.
In the book he talks about the "cartwheel play". Any coach that runs a cartwheel play during a basketball game has to have a good sense of humor, right? My dad is known for his sense of humor. But I think some people have made the mistake of not taking him seriously, especially when it comes to basketball.
Knowing first hand the life and background my father comes from, it is truly amazing all the things he has accomplished. I have to say with out my mom he wouldn't be the person he is today, but that's another book for another day.
This is a great book for anyone who has ever cheered for the underdog, likes sports or faced adversity in life.

If you're interested in buying the book click on the book above or go to www.tonyingle.com

5 comments:

Jon and Tasha Fam said...

Wow that is great you Dad has a book, i will for sure need to get a copy.

*WEST* said...

That is so cool! I will have to give it a read! Wonder where I can borrow a copy.....hint hehehe

Manolakis Family said...

Congrats! How very exciting for your dad and your family I look forward to reading it.

Hadlock Family said...

hey beautiful long lost friend!! I am so glad you posted on our blog (maybe i should update it or something lol) I called jerry the second i read ur blog about ur dads book and we are ordering one!! it looks like your all doing great maybe when elliot comes out we can all hook up? what a cute family!!

Jackie said...

That is so cool.