The Right Kind of Heroes: Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers

By Kevin Horrigan

Book Overview

East St. Louis, Illinois, is arguably the most dangerous and desolate city in America, perhaps our starkest example of urban collapse. With the nation's highest murder rate, it's a city in which half of the 41,000 residents are unemployed and 75 percent receive public assistance. In a city where most young men wind up on the streets, in jail, or dead, the high school football coach has sent dozens of his players on to college on football scholarships. He has done it with hard work and absolute dedication to virtues that went out of style in East St. Louis decades ago. He's done it by refusing to desert boys who need his attention and discipline. "If I don't care about them, who will?" he asks. This is the story of Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers. It is a true story about a coach who won't give up and a team that has beaten all the odds. Author Kevin Horrigan, former sports editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, tells this story by focusing on two heartstopping seasons - 1990, whenthe Flyers,lost the state championship, and 1991, when they won it back. He tells it from up close. We are there on the bench with the boys and their coach for every game. We follow them into the pitiful excuse for a locker room to hear the coach's credo firsthand: "Get it done". No water for the sinks, the toilets, the urinals? Try upstairs. No toilet paper? Bring your own. No money for new uniforms? Wear the old ones until they are rags. Get it done. Just get the job done. Coach Shannon has gotten the job done right for twenty-three years. In his fifteen seasons as East St. Louis High's head coach, the Flyers have won 152 of 173 games and the state championship six times. The Sporting Newshas named Shannon the High School Coach of the Year five times. This is the story of the kind of battle being waged at the core of many American cities - the power of human pride pitted against the power of poverty. In East St.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 094557570X
• ISBN13: 9780945575702
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
• Length: 332 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.7" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Inspiring without being Pollyannish!

Two big thumbs up for "The Right Kind of Heroes: Coach Bob Shannon and the East St. Louis Flyers." Although Coach Shannon has apparently moved on, this book is still as -- or perhaps more -- relevant to those facing battles against the odds.Expertly penned by St. Louis columnist Kevin Horrigan, the book does a remarkable job of putting the reader right in the middle of the dingy and dangerous town of East St. Louis. It's a real "you are there" feeling as you get to know the players and coach of this amazing team. Although the story is heartbreaking at times, you won't hear Horrigan break out the violins and wax overdramatic... just a solid real-life story. Even if you're not a sports nut -- or only know a little about football -- you will be inspired as you laugh, cry, struggle and celebrate with this courageous coach and champion football team. You just can't put it down until the last page. Whatever challenges you may be facing in life, this book will move you to "get it done!" I highly recommend it.

A Testament to Hard Work, Determination, and Character

This books paints the picture of a man who worked hard to acheive his goals. His example is good for everyone to follow. I wish he would have been my coach but I'm honored that he is now coaching my son.

Bringing back memories

I read this book 10 years ago and it was just as enjoyable this time around. This book is full of insights not only into the person of Bob Shannon, but offers an informative look into East St. Louis. A very quick and easy read. I had the pleasure of having Shannon as a teacher many years ago. Reading his words brings to mind his most distinctive voice, which always commanded respect.

Tell's the story as it really happened. Very motivating!

Having played against Bob Shannon, I know full well of the East Side mystique. Being a former player at nearby Granite City, I went to nearly every game mentioned in Bob's book. So, I'm over qualified to say that the East Side Flyers's story is a fascinating one. The place just emits an aura that has High School Football all around it! The 'Side was made on big play football, coached by Shannon, a big time coach

One of best books I have ever read.

This is one the best books on football that I have read. Coach Shannon is a credit to our coaching profession and this book shows that. It also gives us a look at what is like to work under adverse conditions. If you are a football coach who thinks he has it tough, then you should read The Right Kind Of Heroes.