Man of the Oval
Get the inside scoop on John Chaplin’s success, achievements and the controversies surrounding his career.
A surprising biography of a ‘misunderstood coaching genius’
Man of the Oval delves into the life and career of track and field coach John Chaplin.
Track and field athletes and those interested in the philosophy John used to get his students to the finish line, will find Man of The Oval a riveting read.
Whether you want to expand your knowledge of track and field or are interested in clarifying existing biases about the sport, this book will surely provide the insights you seek.
Man Of The Oval is a surprising biography of a misunderstood coaching genius. Anyone and everyone associated with track and field, from athletes to coaches, to fans and anyone else in between, will surely find this bio an exciting tale they can learn from.
Get inspired to get back on the field or have a better understanding of what motivates you to become a better person, all with help from this book.
Order your copy of the Man of The Oval today and get inspired to live a more fulfilling, inspirational, and exciting life both on and off the field.
Praise for Man of the Oval
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“THIS IS A BOOK any track fan can enjoy.
The book is many things: a biographical sketch of Chaplin, a controversial but highly influential figure in our sport; a kind of history of WSU track & field, from the post-WWI days of Clem Phillips, Dixie Garner and John Devine to the post-Chaplin years.
And you learn a lot about the author— Bruce Blizard, who doesn’t hesitate to interject his own thoughts and experiences Into the narrative. It’s a curious structure, but it all makes pretty good reading.”
— Ed Fox, Publisher Emeritus, Track and Field News
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New biography of coach John Chaplin shows him a stickler for rules, a coaching savant, and a one-man personal-support army.
For anyone who saw Chaplin’s amazing teams – who earned 218 NCAA All-American certificates in cross country, indoor and outdoor track – and molding cohesive squads out of Americans, Kenyans, Australians, Chinese, Ivory Coasters, New Zealanders and others, Man of the Oval combines Chaplin’s play-by-play, a coaching classroom and a love letter from his athletes, who helped create an unforgettable character who has, and continues, to shape American track & field.
— Rich Perelman, Founder and Editor, The Sports Examiner
“If you don’t understand me, the rest is irrelevant.”
“I am not complicated. If I say I will do something, I will do it. If I say I won’t, I won’t. But I’m not closed to reevaluating anything. If you say you can’t do something, I will listen, but if you say I won’t do something, it’s game over. I am a lot of things, but insecure is not one of them.”
—- Man of the Oval
In this intriguing read, Author Bruce Blizard reveals both the controversies and the heart-warming stories about how Chaplin supported his athletes.
Chaplin was direct and opinionated with a clear philosophy and an inspiring coaching style. Here are the key areas of Chaplin’s career that the book talks in great detail about:
CHAMPIONING ACADEMICS
Coach Chaplin firmly believes that true champions excel both athletically and academically. His belief in education as a cornerstone of character development shines through in every athlete he mentors.
GLOBAL IMPACT
Man of the Oval addresses issues not just within college and university sports, but also on the grand international stage. Coach Chaplin's influence extends to the highest echelons of the sport, leaving an indelible mark.
BALANCING ACTS
Coach Chaplin's philosophy bridges the gap between university athletics and academic success. He empowers athletes to master the art of time management, ensuring they shine in both arenas.
DIVERSITY MATTERS
In Coach Chaplin's world, gender and ethnic balance in sports isn't just a goal – it's a vital component. He recognizes the power of diversity in fostering a harmonious and inclusive sports community.
Prepare to be intrigued and inspired by Chaplin’s philosophy, his methods, and the numerous battles he fought to take WSU from an isolated university in a remote town to the center of Global Track and Field Sports.
The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to read about how to win.
I had the privilege of being recruited by and being coached by Coach Chaplin. I considered him a genius back then and now. I'm grateful for his current friendship to me and his mentorship in the past as well. He's by far one of the greats to have graced our beautiful sport. Thank you for everything Coach! The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to read about how to win. Coach was and is a winner! Enjoy.
— Coach Mike, Seattle
This book is for you if you are:
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An Athlete or Aspiring Athlete
Whether you are an athlete looking for inspiration and insights to improve your performance or an individual who dreams of becoming a track and field athlete, you can learn from the coach’s advice and experiences. This book will provide you with invaluable guidance.
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Coach or Sports Enthusiast
As a Coach from any sport, not just track and field, you will gain insights into coaching techniques, athlete development, and fostering a winning mindset. As a Sports enthusiast who enjoys learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of training and competition, you would find this book quite engaging.
Parent or Guardian
As a parent of a young athlete who is passionate about track and field, you will understand the journey and challenges faced by athletes pursuing Olympic-level excellence. The book will offer guidance on how to support your child’s athletic aspirations.
04
Educator
As a physical education teacher, professor or sports educator, the book will help you in teaching students about the world of competitive sports, the dedication required, and the balance between athletics and academics.
05
Motivational Reader
If you are someone looking for stories of determination, resilience, and success in the face of challenges, this book will inspire you by sharing various stories of the coach's journey and the athletes' achievements.
06
Leader or Manager
If you are interested in the principles of leadership, teamwork, and achieving high performance, this book will help you find parallels between coaching elite athletes and leading teams in other settings.
Meet the author
Bruce Blizard is a former coach turned author who brings inspiring messages about sports, faith, and community to youth athletes, fans, and coaches worldwide. He has spent over 20 years teaching at Southeastern Washington State University. He brings that expertise to the stories he tells his audiences through his book series. During his teaching career, Bruce witnessed the challenges youth face in sports and life. After he walked away from his teaching career, he decided to continue to make a difference by writing stories about redemption, faith, forgiveness, and love.