Trailblazing: The True Story of America's First Openly Gay Track Coach

I currently have a class with Gumby (Soc of Sport @ UCI), and reading this book was one of the requirements. However, it wasn't just another class textbook--in addition to being educational, it was extremely inspiring. I have not been exposed to many gays or lesbians (maybe a few lesbians and bisexuals here and there, but I was never close to them), in fact, I have been exposed to more conservative, anti-homosexual, and heterosexist views for most of my life, so many of the things Gumby brought up in his book were new to me. For instance, I never really thought about how hard it must be not just for a person to come "out of the closet" but how it would affect his close ones. Though I'm not close to Gumby, I learned a little more about how and why he thinks certain ways, mainly due to his treatment and experiences before and after "coming out". In addition to learning about issues on homosexuality, heterosexism, and how hegemonic masculinity can be, I learned more about how these issues are dealt with in the school administrative and sports arena through Gumby's experience. If you are interested in these sociological issues, or just want inspirational/motivational support in coming out as a homosexual, then READ THIS BOOK! It has definitely changed my view on homosexuality forever.

Eric Anderson's book gives us a powerful and up-close look at sports in society and the importance of teamwork. Combining a rigorous account of the fast-paced high school distance races he coached to victory with a compelling and shocking journey, Anderson clearly illustrates homophobia is still very much present in our culture and that sport, when abused, reinforces and perpetuates discrimination and male dominance. His powerful journey urges us to form new perspectives on sport, the system that creates and manages it, and the ludicrous racist, sexist and homophobic beliefs which plague our society today. This book is truly a gem--a must read for every high school and college student and for anyone interested in sports, sociology or humanity.

Anderson's TRAILBLAZING burns a trail right into your heart. I had a hard time putting it down to get on with my day. I am a retired educator in music; not a sports fan. This story could convert me. Anderson is fun to read. I love the anectdotes. Most captivating is to see how he tells the story as related to his runners. Parents of the runners are heroes also. This is an important story for gay, straight and all concerned! It will move and shake you.

As a parent of a former (hight school) track athlete, I have had the pleasure of getting to know coach Gumby, and knew something of the experiences he had as a coach at our local high school. I must say reading about it made it seem all the more amazing and incredible that anyone could perservere through all of this personal and professional adversity. Coach Gumby is a true trailblazer. The book is wonderful and a must read for anyone concerned about tolerance.

Terrific book. Though I have the feeling it doesn't do justice to the real turmoil that Eric Anderson and his team went through. All school coaches, runners, teachers, and other public educators should read it.