LINK
A Chain is Only As Strong As Its Weakest Link
by
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Coach Hyde believed in hard-nosed football, old-school ball. He instilled confidence in his players with speeches about heart, courage, and playing smart. He often said other teams might be faster or stronger but none would ever play harder or be in better shape. Coach Hyde always encouraged team play and good sportsmanship. He was famous for saying, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and our team is only as strong as our weakest member." He encouraged the players to build each other up and strengthen one another. It wouldn’t do the team any good if one player executed his assignment well and the player next to him missed his assignment. "Do great at your assignment and strengthen those around you," the coach told them.
Coach Hyde was well respected by the players and the community alike. Some of his tactics were questioned at first but.........
The coaches alternated the players in and out of the game just as they had all week in practice. The philosophy of the coaches was to try and keep fresh legs in the game the whole time and not let anyone get winded or tired. The game came down to the final three minutes with the Bulldogs in possession of the ball. Burroughs’ quarterback was passing his team right down the field. The Falcons were trailing 20-14, when Scott stepped in front of a pass, intercepted it, and ran it back to midfield. Coach Hyde called for the players who had started the game. He informed them that they were in for the remainder of the game. On the field, the first unit stood in the huddle. Link stared at Michaels.
“I will get to the ball no matter where you throw it,” Link said through his mouth piece. He said it with such conviction that Michaels felt confidence beyond anything he had ever experienced.
Michaels threw the first pass to
“I will get to the ball no matter where you throw it.”
Michaels trusted his instincts and let the ball fly.....
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About the Book
Link is based on actual high school experiences of the author, J. H. Holland. Holland’s high school football team was nationally ranked in 1974, during a season that culminated with a thrilling state championship game. While the story chronicles many of the common experiences and challenges that high school students faced thirty years ago, those same experiences and challenges are relevant even today.
The book follows the life of a fictional character, Jimmy Watkins. Jimmy’s family has moved from Texas to Southern California’s Orange County following a recent tragedy in their lives. Jimmy is dealing with his own trials and tribulations, yet he is still capable of motivating those around him by staying true to the standards he has set for himself. Because of his perceived weaknesses and the mystery that surrounds him, Jimmy is affectionately named "Link" by his coaches and teammates. Jimmy’s attitude consistently exudes positive ideals and beliefs; this attitude is one of the most significant threads sewn throughout the story. The mystery of Jimmy’s health condition provides an intriguing element to the story line of the book. Witnessing how Jimmy is influenced by those around him like his father, friends and coaches, inspires readers to remember the wonderful influences others have had in their own lives. Jimmy heeds those influences and uses what he learns to positively impact the people around him. Jimmy’s attitude is infectious to all who encounter him, as does this book which has proven to be difficult to put down.
This book is great for casual reading or would serve junior high or high school English classes. The language is clean and not offensive even to the sensitive reader. The concepts and life challenges in the book although mature, are handled positively and sensitively.
About the Author
John Holland is a relatively new author breaking into the book-making business with a leap of faith. John has been published in three books from the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, and frequently writes educational materials for his own chiropractic office. John has also enjoyed popularity as a motivational speaker to youths in schools, churches and the Boy Scout organization. John’s inspiration for writing is his family, which includes his wife and their five children. He has written over forty short stories aimed at inspiring his children to act responsibly and to find joy and happiness in life’s experiences.
J. H. Holland is currently in the production phase of preparing some of his stories for the hands of the public. His goal in writing and sharing his inspiring stories is to turn more people on to reading and to encourage those readers to find happiness and greatness within themselves. He has written books for all ages from toddlers to young adults. Many adults have also found joy and inspiration from reading the stories written by this author. His stories are successful in bridging the generation gap by presenting simple and direct messages for the entertainment of the young, while providing thought-provoking messages for the experienced reader. Readers young and old have much to look forward to from J. H. Holland.