He was jumping trains at 6; at 14, dreaming of becoming an NFL star. John Leara's story seems focused on physical activity and competition. However, while his passion for sports did fill his time and guide his choices, this book tells a more universal tale. In college he suffers heartbreak, losing his first love and his football dream. He finds his niche in coaching, experiencing the elation of state championships and the anguish of 55-0 defeats. What compelled him, a man with a secure job, to sell his home and move his pregnant wife and toddler 1500 miles to the middle of nowhere? His personality endears him to some and vexes others. While his idiosyncrasies appear humorous (his fear of a stalker while driving through a Kansas blizzard), his passion leads to confrontation (while coaching, he forfeits a game after kicking a referee's hat). Ever-present is his devotion to family. From first generation son of immigrants to athlete to coach to teacher to husband to father to grandfather, these distinctions reflect the whole of this man and his Fascination with Balls.
