Bud Wilkinson: An Intimate Portrait of an American Legend

I grew up just blocks from The Ohio State University during the age of the great football rivalry between coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Shembeckler. Fall Saturday mornings were always spent on campus attending the warm up concert of the OSU Marching Band (TBDBITL - The Best Damn Band In The Land); tail-gating with family, friends, and phenomenal food; and, of course, cheering for the Buckeyes and watching them beat whatever team they were playing. About that same time, Bud Wilkinson was obtaining legendary status as coach at Oklahoma, building one of the country's greatest ever football traditions which encompassed three national championships, 12 consecutive conference titles, 74 straight undefeated regular season games (1947 - 1959), 6 bowl victories, and career win-loss total of 145-29-4. This book, Bud Wilkinson, An Intimate Portrait of an American Legend, by his son, Jay Wilkinson, and Gretchen Hirsch, details the length and breadth Bud's interesting and colorful life, through his coaching career, his career in the political arena, and his later years. A man of true grace and character, Bud was respected and admired by all those whose lives he touched. Delightfully written in a clear, entertaining style, this book is recommended for anyone who is interested in football, Oklahoma, great traditions, or simply a good role model.