The Semi-Pros

Alan Mrozek brings to life the world of semi-professional football in his novel The Semi-Pros. The Semi-Pros tells the story of the Coalcrackers, a semi-professional football team from the small town of Waylon, Pennsylvania. Much like the town, the once mighty Coalcrackers have fallen on hard times and haven't won a championship or had a winning season in nearly twenty years. So in steps Mike Rader, quarterback of the last Coalcracker championship team and in many ways the Coalcracker's and Waylon's last hope of turning their ailing fortunes around.

In describing the hard scrabble world of semi-professional football Mrozek does an excellent job in conveying the love and sacrifice that goes into playing tackle football for no pay and little recognition. Semi-pro football is truly for those who love the sport and Mrozek lets you know that. He gives amazing detail of the game and how its played, so that anyone, even the most clueless of people can follow along and understand how football is played and won.

The problem with the novel is outside of the game details it doesn't have much else to offer. All of the characters, while endearing, are one dimensional and lack any sort of depth. We know Rader loves football but that's all we know about him Joe Welzack, head of the Athletic Club where the Coalcrackers play, doesn't seem to have any other aspect to his personality outside of his love for Coalcracker football and his role as team historian. Leah Marciniak, Rader's love interest, seems nice but the only thing we ever learn about her is that she had crush on Rader when she was young and how badly she wanted to leave Waylon growing up. Mrozek doesn't offer us any other side to the characters personality that isn't directly related to either the town or the sport. Without the added depth it makes it difficult to empathize with them in any way and to ultimately care about what happens to them or their town.

The other major problem with the novel is that at 440 pages it is about 220 pages too long. Some detail is good, but too much of it can bog the reader down in page after page of unnecessary information. Like I said, the detailed football information was great. It was nice to have a play by play break down of the games as they occurred but there are several games in the book and after a while those details become repetitive and boring. Also, other parts of the novel where just useless, such as the love affair between Mike and Leah. Leah first appears early in the novel as a love-struck teenager and doesn't appear again until the middle of the novel and even then there's no real explanation as to why they even like each other, let alone end up in a relationship. It is a storyline that could be cut completely from the novel and the story wouldn't suffer any.

All in all Mrozek offers an inside look at a world many didn't know existed, however the lack of attention to other details of the novel, such as character development, prevent The Semi-Pros from being the exciting and innovating novel it could have been.

Shannon O'Toole Author of Wedded to The Game & Wife of a NFL Player and Coach Interviewed   The Top 5 Sports Books of All Time   

The Semi-Pros

Alan Mrozek brings to life the world of semi-professional football in his novel The Semi-Pros. The Semi-Pros tells the story of the Coalcrackers, a semi-professional football team from the small town of Waylon, Pennsylvania. Much like the town, the once mighty Coalcrackers have fallen on hard times and haven't won a championship or had a winning season in nearly twenty years. So in steps Mike Rader, quarterback of the last Coalcracker championship team and in many ways the Coalcracker's and Waylon's last hope of turning their ailing fortunes around.

In describing the hard scrabble world of semi-professional football Mrozek does an excellent job in conveying the love and sacrifice that goes into playing tackle football for no pay and little recognition. Semi-pro football is truly for those who love the sport and Mrozek lets you know that. He gives amazing detail of the game and how its played, so that anyone, even the most clueless of people can follow along and understand how football is played and won.

The problem with the novel is outside of the game details it doesn't have much else to offer. All of the characters, while endearing, are one dimensional and lack any sort of depth. We know Rader loves football but that's all we know about him Joe Welzack, head of the Athletic Club where the Coalcrackers play, doesn't seem to have any other aspect to his personality outside of his love for Coalcracker football and his role as team historian. Leah Marciniak, Rader's love interest, seems nice but the only thing we ever learn about her is that she had crush on Rader when she was young and how badly she wanted to leave Waylon growing up. Mrozek doesn't offer us any other side to the characters personality that isn't directly related to either the town or the sport. Without the added depth it makes it difficult to empathize with them in any way and to ultimately care about what happens to them or their town.

The other major problem with the novel is that at 440 pages it is about 220 pages too long. Some detail is good, but too much of it can bog the reader down in page after page of unnecessary information. Like I said, the detailed football information was great. It was nice to have a play by play break down of the games as they occurred but there are several games in the book and after a while those details become repetitive and boring. Also, other parts of the novel where just useless, such as the love affair between Mike and Leah. Leah first appears early in the novel as a love-struck teenager and doesn't appear again until the middle of the novel and even then there's no real explanation as to why they even like each other, let alone end up in a relationship. It is a storyline that could be cut completely from the novel and the story wouldn't suffer any.

All in all Mrozek offers an inside look at a world many didn't know existed, however the lack of attention to other details of the novel, such as character development, prevent The Semi-Pros from being the exciting and innovating novel it could have been.

Shannon O'Toole Author of Wedded to The Game & Wife of a NFL Player and Coach Interviewed   The Top 5 Sports Books of All Time   

Shannon O'Toole Author of Wedded to The Game & Wife of a NFL Player and Coach Interviewed

Author: Shannon O'Toole

ISBN: 0803286252

Good day Shannon and thanks for agreeing to participate in our interview.

Thank you for the invitation!

Norm:

Shannon, please tell our readers a little bit about your personal and professional background.

Shannon:

I received my master's degree in sociology at Western Michigan University. My master's thesis was entitled "Professional Football Players' Attitudes Relating Toward Women and Violence." When I was 19 years old and playing softball at Western Michigan University I met John Morton. For the past 14 years, John has been involved with professional football. He played for 5 years and now he is a coach. (In February 2006, he signed a 2-year contract with the New Orleans Saints as their "Passing Game Assistant"). My academic background combined with my personal experience made me very interested in the topic of NFL Women.

Norm:

How did your Masters degree in sociology help you with your research and in the writing of your book?

Shannon:

It helped immensely. It is an excellent discipline for examining social issues and dynamics. In the book I delve into sexism and racism in context to professional football. Sociology has opened my eyes to societal inequities and injustice and it has molded me into the woman I am today.

Norm:

What is the underlying message or theme of Wedded to the Game: The Real Lives of NFL Women?

Shannon:

The message is clear: these women are not the stereotypical shallow, gold-digging, Barbie dolls. They are sharp, strong-willed and opinionated. They are multi-tasking, talented women who take on and conquer the challenges that NFL life throws at them. In fact, they are tough, if not tougher than the men who play and coach the game. The percentage of women who fit the negative stereotype is probably less than ten percent - and these types of women never last for long. Those who learn to cope with the NFL's immense difficulties become stubborn, resilient and wise survivors.

Norm:

Do you believe that the sampling of interviews was sufficient to come to some of your conclusions?

Shannon:

I do, mainly because I was very careful to select women whose experiences ran the gamut of NFL life. While I spoke with Jackie Rice who is married to All-Everything Jerry Rice, I also interviewed the girlfriend of a rookie free agent who was simply hoping her boyfriend would be on the roster so they would have health insurance at the time of their baby's birth. Ultimately, I knew there was an adequate sample when I began to hear the same answers to my numerous questions. We really are a sisterhood with shared experiences unique to professional sports life.

Norm:

Why did you feel compelled to write this book?

Shannon:

To quote the preface:

When I began my research for this book I had an ulterior motive. Although I have been in the NFL for twelve years now and I know very well what this life is like, I was also seeking the advice and hard-earned wisdom of women who had already found solutions to my numerous concerns. I still struggle with the life I've chosen, and so I wanted to know: How do other women deal with the NFL? How do they cope and survive? What are their experiences?

I knew these women did not fit the stereotype. I wanted other people to know it too.

Norm:

Can you explain some of your research techniques, and how you found sources for your book? I notice there is an absence at the end of the book of a selected bibliography. Any reason for this omission?

Shannon:

To quote the preface:

I sent an anonymous survey to over 150 women and got back an amazing 75 responses. Out of those 75 responses, I chose 30 women to interview in depth. Their stores make up the heart of this book. About half were willing to go on record and let their names be used, and about half wanted to remain anonymous. In the initial anonymous survey, I asked respondents to either "agree strongly, agree mildly, disagree mildly, or disagree strongly" to a myriad of statements regarding NFL life. These responses form the basis of some of my general statements and conclusions about what off-the-field life is like for women. Then, over the course of my thirty one-on-one interviews, I received full, in-depth answers to these often difficult, complex questions.

Regarding the absence of a bibliography, the current literature on professional sports spouses is minimal. Most of the published works are salacious, racy novels that simply serve to perpetuate the unfair stereotypes. My book is the only book on the market (that I am aware of) that is part insiders tell-all and part sociological study.

Norm:

What obstacles did you have in writing and researching your book?

Shannon:

There were very few obstacles during the research process. I was surprised by the willingness and the eagerness of the women willing to speak about their experiences. They wanted to talk, not just about the good times, but about some of their most dreadful and unbearable experiences. NFL Women are almost universally overlooked by the public and the media, and what I discovered is that they have things to say and they want to be heard.

My difficulties arose during the writing process. Before I began this book I was completely naïve regarding the art of writing. I had NO IDEA how difficult a task it is to write well. Writing well is a true skill and I did not have the needed training. I lost count of the number of major revisions. But I did have a goal to see my name on a book cover, and I was completely and thoroughly determined to reach that goal. (I also have a coach for a husband and he knew all the right motivational buttons to push!) Like millions of writers, my proposal was rejected again and again before it finally found a home at the University of Nebraska Press. And even then, I needed the skill of a fantastic outside developmental editor, Jeff Campbell in San Francisco. I am forever in his debt for the beautiful things he did with my manuscript.

It took me 5 years from start of research to the final finished product. That is a long time. But the feeling of self-fulfillment that I have right now, makes every day of those 5 years well worth it.

Norm:

How has the feedback been so far? What are your hopes for this book?

Shannon:

From both within and outside of the football world, the favorable feedback has been tremendous. Andrew Yardley of the Washington Post called Wedded to the Game an "intelligent, thoughtful book." Feedback from NFL Women includes phrases like, "great insight as to what life is really like for us" and "invaluable information for rookie wives/girlfriends." The central theme, according to a woman married to a player, "It was comforting to know that while the stories may vary many of our experiences are the same."

Even women who are not fans of the game can relate to many of the book's issues, such as frequent relocation or dealing with a partner's long hours - both common occurrences in today's American work culture.

Currently, I am speaking with two television producers who are interested in the topic of NFL Wives. Check my website for updates on these projects.

Of course, I hope this book continues to grow in popularity and one day reaches the Best Seller List . . . with Oprah's help. (smile)

Norm:

What is next for Shannon O'Toole is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

Shannon:

It is my dream to implement and facilitate an NFL Women Mentoring Program. The mission of this program is to lessen the strain and uncertainty, and thereby increase the life satisfaction of women new to the league by formally connecting them with experienced veteran wives/significant others. In these relationships, veteran NFL Women offer advice, answer questions, and guide their mentees in developing skills and methods for copy with the myriad of circumstances unique to NFL life. I am currently speaking with the league office along with the NFLPA about offering this program on a league-wide basis.

In the immediate future, John and I look forward to helping the people and the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina. "Recover, Rebuild, Rebirth" and GO SAINTS!

*Note: Hurricane Katrina dogs and cats continue to need loving homes. Please go to: http://www.petfinder.com to adopt one of these deserving animals.

Shannon O'Toole Author of Wedded to The Game & Wife of a NFL Player and Coach Interviewed   The Top 5 Sports Books of All Time   

Golf Swing Made Easy - Information on How to Lengthen Your Drive and Cut Your Handicap

I've just come across a terrific book by David Nevogt , also known as 'The Golf Swing Guru' where he guarantees to lengthen your drive and cut your handicap by 7 to 12 strokes in just 2 weeks.

As a dedicated golfer, hitting off 27 on a good day! , I figure anything that can do that has got to be worth getting - even if it's only half as good as everyone says.

Some of the questions posed in this book are:- 1. Is your golf swing is providing you with the results you need to compete? 2. Are you throwing strokes away by topping, slicing or hooking the ball? 3. How many penalty strokes do you typically have during a round?

And in my case the answers are:- 1. No 2. Yes 3. Too many

How about you?

Some interesting golf facts:- Did you know there are 27 Million golfers in the world? And did you know that the average gross score is 107 ?? And less than 20% ever get a handicap under 27.

Would you like to get your handicap down to a number you'd be able to brag about?

This book explains in simple terms how you can lower your score every time you play.

And it stresses that it's your golf swing that drives your score, not your clubs or the ball you play. As David says, that is the truth in simple terms.

It seems to work though. So far in 2006 people from 16 different countries have been helped by having their swing problems fixed. And as we all know, if you fix that problem and build an easy repeatable swing all the other good stuff can be built on more easily.

Some indication of David's success can be seen from the fact that "The Simple Golf Swing" has helped 7,987 golfers during the past 2 years. This system is rated the #1 golf instruction system on the Internet and the reason is quite simple - it's because it works.

I'm looking forward to seeing the results David's going to get with my really ugly swing! I'll let you know how it goes.

Shannon O'Toole Author of Wedded to The Game & Wife of a NFL Player and Coach Interviewed   The Top 5 Sports Books of All Time   

The Semi-Pros

Alan Mrozek brings to life the world of semi-professional football in his novel The Semi-Pros. The Semi-Pros tells the story of the Coalcrackers, a semi-professional football team from the small town of Waylon, Pennsylvania. Much like the town, the once mighty Coalcrackers have fallen on hard times and haven't won a championship or had a winning season in nearly twenty years. So in steps Mike Rader, quarterback of the last Coalcracker championship team and in many ways the Coalcracker's and Waylon's last hope of turning their ailing fortunes around.

In describing the hard scrabble world of semi-professional football Mrozek does an excellent job in conveying the love and sacrifice that goes into playing tackle football for no pay and little recognition. Semi-pro football is truly for those who love the sport and Mrozek lets you know that. He gives amazing detail of the game and how its played, so that anyone, even the most clueless of people can follow along and understand how football is played and won.

The problem with the novel is outside of the game details it doesn't have much else to offer. All of the characters, while endearing, are one dimensional and lack any sort of depth. We know Rader loves football but that's all we know about him Joe Welzack, head of the Athletic Club where the Coalcrackers play, doesn't seem to have any other aspect to his personality outside of his love for Coalcracker football and his role as team historian. Leah Marciniak, Rader's love interest, seems nice but the only thing we ever learn about her is that she had crush on Rader when she was young and how badly she wanted to leave Waylon growing up. Mrozek doesn't offer us any other side to the characters personality that isn't directly related to either the town or the sport. Without the added depth it makes it difficult to empathize with them in any way and to ultimately care about what happens to them or their town.

The other major problem with the novel is that at 440 pages it is about 220 pages too long. Some detail is good, but too much of it can bog the reader down in page after page of unnecessary information. Like I said, the detailed football information was great. It was nice to have a play by play break down of the games as they occurred but there are several games in the book and after a while those details become repetitive and boring. Also, other parts of the novel where just useless, such as the love affair between Mike and Leah. Leah first appears early in the novel as a love-struck teenager and doesn't appear again until the middle of the novel and even then there's no real explanation as to why they even like each other, let alone end up in a relationship. It is a storyline that could be cut completely from the novel and the story wouldn't suffer any.

All in all Mrozek offers an inside look at a world many didn't know existed, however the lack of attention to other details of the novel, such as character development, prevent The Semi-Pros from being the exciting and innovating novel it could have been.

Shannon O'Toole Author of Wedded to The Game & Wife of a NFL Player and Coach Interviewed   The Top 5 Sports Books of All Time   

The Top 5 Sports Books of All Time

There have been thousands of sports books written throughout the years. Some have been absolute crap and most are mediocre at best, but there are that select few that remain deep-seated in our memories as classics. Below is my Top 5 of all time. There are some popular books missing - either because I don't think it is as good as everyone else, or because I haven't read it.

5. Foul Ball, By Jim Bouton - Bouton gives a candid look at a corrupt sports town. All he wants to do is keep a classic stadium alive, but local businesses and politicians oppose him for selfish reasons. They will do what's right for their businesses regardless of the effects on the community. Beyond sports, their actions also are detrimental to the health and well being of those who live there. It's amazing how greedy and selfish some people can be...and Bouton exposes them ALL.

4. Eight Men Out, By Eliot Asinof - This was a very, very interesting read and that is why I rate it so high. I am absolutely obsessed with the perplexing depth of this scandal. However Asinof presents a TON of evidence about the scandal, so much so that it can be a bit overwhelming. I probably need to go back and read it again to get the whole story down. It reads a lot like a really good history book about the Black Sox.

3. Friday Night Lights, By H.G. Bissinger - One of the things that drives me nuts about Odessa is that H.G. Bissinger wrote a very fair observation of the current state of their town and they treat him like he's the devil to this day. Rather than acknowledge that maybe they shouldn't put so much pressure on their young athletes and that maybe they needed to re-evaluate what is truly important to them, they chose to shoot the messenger. Maybe people shouldn't be taught that the most important thing in the world is a high-school football game. I applaud Bissinger for his efforts.

2. Moneyball, By Michael Lewis - This is an absolutely amazing story about success. The book is far more than baseball - it shows the value of statistical analysis in equalizing and unequal playing field. Like the cover says, it teaches the 'Art of Winning an Unfair Game'. I can't stand narrow minded baseball purists that don't see the value in what Billy Beane does. The man succeeds in spite of nearly insurmountable odds. Who couldn't learn something from him?

1. Ball Four, By Jim Bouton - This is one of the most entertaining books I've ever read. Who wouldn't enjoy reading stories about Mickey Mantle and his crazy flings? Bouton's stories were so controversial that he was banished from the Yankee community for a long time. He is so honest and down to earth that by the end of the book it feels like Bouton is one of your buddies. All sports fans NEED to read this.

Shannon O'Toole Author of Wedded to The Game & Wife of a NFL Player and Coach Interviewed   The Top 5 Sports Books of All Time