Spirals. Timonthy B. Spears.

 

Spirals.    Timothy B. Spears

A Family’s Education in Football. 

 

Ivy League educated college professors often make good writers.    Professors experienced in playing college football and that write about it are credible sources.    Families that possess lineage of Timothy B. Spears, the author of Spirals, are likely to have unparalleled insight to what it is like to coach and/or play college football in the Ivy Leagues.   

The back drop is clearly the game of football---particularly college football.    However, as with most non-fiction sports-related book, there is more to the story than that.   Spears discusses his upbringing in the mid-west, his father’s experiences in high school, college and as a parent, as well as his grandfather’s rather illustrious career and persona in the college football arena.  

Is it worth it?   That is, is it worth all of the training, sacrifice, risk of injury and myriad commitments that go into being an athlete (particularly football) at the next level.    Spears attempts to theorize, rationalize and justify the efforts and attitudes that go into it.  Yet, he also recognizes that the dedication, training and commitments may not always live up to what is often purported.  

The first half of the book smacks of rich and interesting American history connected to the early goings of football in the 20^th century.   His grandfather, Clarence “Doc” Spears was likely a well-known coach and figure during his day.    Doc Spears was lucky enough to attend and play college football at Dartmouth.    In an era before World War I, when the Ivy League was not an actual concept and where schools in New England were intentionally competitive, Doc Spears was a solid contributor.   He went to coach Dartmouth shortly after his playing days were completed.    The eldest Spears went on to coach at several other schools with moderate to noteworthy success on the field.   Interestingly, he also happened to be a real medical doctor, eventually leaving the profession to practice medicine full time later in life.   

Both the author and his father continued the Ivy League tradition during their playing days as both were Letterman at Yale, in the late 40’s/early 50’s, and, late 70’s, respectively.   The author’s father, Bob, was a fair player as a fullback and had some opportunity to play at the professional levels but chose to move on with life’s work when Yale days were finished.    

Another theme of the book discusses the relationships that father had with grandfather and author had with father.     Timothy Spears discusses parenting styles and how they were either forged from the coaching and/or playing experiences or somewhat disconnected as a result.  

The author also discusses his time at Yale and his observations pertaining to the team and sport but also the total college experience.    He goes on to write about some very real and justifiable cognitive dissonances that resulted from many facets of the athletic, educational, family and overall college trials and tribulations.

The book is interesting and useful but this is not an easy read although less than one hundred and fifty pages.    The author shows great command of the language and reveals a sophisticated vocabulary throughout the entire story.  

You might like to read this book if you enjoy college football history.

You might like to read this book if you enjoy reading about Yale and Ivy League college football experiences.

You might like to read this book if you are interested in reading about lineage of families and how one generation influences the next. 

You might like to read this book If you seek stories about father and son family dynamics and relationships.

You might like reading this book if you are intrigued with college football playing and coaching experiences.

You might like reading about this book if you live in or are Cleveland native.

You might like reading this book if you are an alum or fan of Yale, West Virginia University, University of Minnesota or University of Oregon.