A Run to the River

Book Synopsis: Sports, outdoors, American football—they are innately tied to passion, dedication, grit, and determination—particularly when developing the characteristics that a high school championship football team embraces. A Run to the River is a classic story of a high school football team whose win-loss record has a profound influence on the town around them. In Ron Glodich’s debut memoir, you will travel with a diverse and talented team and their Michigan Hall of Fame Coach— from the practice fields of Marine City High School to the clicking of its collective cleats echoing through the NFL tunnels of Ford Field. Glodich shares memories of developing college level American football players. He also talks about real life and sports in America, creating a platform for myriad other topics such as life’s reality, economics, money, love and relationships and our own mental evolution as human beings. In a genuine, authentic writing style, Glodich touches on life’s issues, to reveal humor, seriousness, valor and ultimately—triumph. Frank and compassionate from page one, Glodich captures the essence of football in the life of Marine City High School; he shows how a single-minded devotion to the concept of team over talent shapes an entire community and inspires the teenagers who come to expect more of themselves as individuals and as a team. With the fanfare of fireworks and team runs to the St. Clair River, your heart will leap with the hard-fought wins of this very often discounted but much-loved group of underdogs, including Michigan’s first female kicker. Set against the idyllic waterside backdrop of a small blue-collar town in Michigan, A Run to the River delivers a moving story of a community and coaching staff dedicated to developing the student athlete into a champion, both on and off the field. With old school dedication to Friday night team dinners, firm handshakes, and a developed look in the eyes philosophy, this author will take you on his journey of professional and personal conquests with tears and laughter. With a thirty-three-year marathon of seasons, Coach Glodich’s secret sauce of success is infused throughout his stories with the same delightful enthusiasm as his personally choreographed dishwashing dance moves. Sharing many behind-the-scenes views of hard-won games, Glodich unfolds play-by-play recaps and memorable moments that will leave you wanting more until you discover who owns the final quarter. A walk down memory lane for fans who enjoy the rich traditions and history of high school football, this memoir keeps readers readily turning pages to vicariously experience how a revered coach, a team and a strong community come together in this thrilling ride not unlike the stories of Hoosiers and Rudy. If you love sports stories, football, team loyalty, and overcoming obstacles both on and off the field, this is the book for you! If you are passionate about working with young athletes, A Run to the River will serve as a playbook that stands the test of time. Praise for A Run to the River Jim Sparks is one of the most respected coaches in the state of Michigan. An offensive genius, a coach who respects the process, and a man that teaches the game the right way. "This book is for anyone whoever wanted to know what it is like to serve as a head coach of a high school football team. With each page you are drawn deeper into Coach Glodich's experiences until you swear you are actually hearing the crowd cheering and feeling the brisk autumn Marine City air on your face. No author has more accurately depicted the emotions that go along with serving as the head coach of a football program at a Michigan High School. If you are a fan of high school football, this book should be at the top of your reading list."