I Remember Woody »

Woody Hayes was a football genius and a legendary leader, as well as a complex man. Just when you think you've begun to understand what made him tick, along comes another story or anecdote to pull your thoughts in a new, albeit entertaining, direction. This book takes you into his inner circle for a personal, detailed look at the life and times of Woody Hayes -- and, in the process, sheds some valuable light on some of his many complexities. I Remember Woody includes first-hand accounts from former players including Rex Kern, "Moose" Machinsky, Archie Griffin, John Hicks, Neal Colzie, Randy Gradishar, Doug Plank, and Paul Warfield; former staffers such as Earl Bruce, George Hill, Lou Holtz, and Ara Parseghian; former opponents including Joe Paterno, Barry Switzer, Len Dawson, Leroy Keyes, Jim Mandich, and Lee Corso; members of the media such as Keith Jackson, Jim Murray, Jack Buck, Chris Schenkel, Doug Looney, Jimmy Crum, and Bernie Lincicome; and from Hayes' vast network of friends and fans. An important work, this book gives readers a broad, balanced view -- warts and all, as the Old Coach himself would say -- of the man who dedicated his life to making Ohio State football and those around him better. It tears down the mythical walls and lets you nearly shake hands with or sit across the desk from one of college football's all-time giants. Warm or bitter, the story-tellers' recollections will make you think hard about -- and help you understand -- what went into the makeup of this simple, yet extremely complicated, icon. Above all else, it sets the record straight.