Mississippi Library Association

Gridiron Gold: Inspiring Stories of Legendary Mississippi High School Coaches, Guardians of the Greatest Football Talent in America.

Frascogna, Xavier M., Jr., Xavier M. Frascogna, III, and Martin F. Frascogna.
Gridiron Gold: Inspiring Stories of Legendary Mississippi High School Coaches, Guardians of the Greatest Football Talent in America.
Jackson: Mississippi Sports Council, 2007.
294 pp. $31.95 (hardcover)

Gridiron Gold is the first book by the authors, who each played high school and college football, and played for well-respected Mississippi coaches. The authors present a discussion of the coaches who have helped Mississippi’s high school football teams. Coaches are an important part of the game and contribute to the morale and development of the team and the community. To this end, the experiences of working with Mississippi high school coaches to develop not only team spirit and skills, but also emotional bonds that last a lifetime are presented.
Numerous quotes from different coaches are presented, which help to paint the picture that is prominent in the communities they are a part of – that throughout Mississippi each community works hard to promote the development of their children, who are considered the most valuable resource of the state. These quotes, and other details, help the reader understand what it is like to be a high school football player in these communities. Indeed, the authors themselves are from this community and their experience has inspired them to tell this story.
Some of the quotes from the coaches point out this group helped keep young teenagers out of trouble both on and off the team. For example, Coach Larry Cole (p. 113) stated, “I’ve had players that I threw off the team….He might have been caught with alcohol or some other infraction.” Coach Paul Pounds pointed out, “During the ‘60s and ‘70s if something happened in a class, the teacher or principal would always come to a coach and ask, ‘Coach, can you come over here and take care of the problem’” (p. 114).
Thus, the coaches were respected by the students, by the football team, by the teachers, and by school administrators.
The coaches themselves expressed the joy they experienced in their work. For example, Coach Bobby Posey, who had the opportunity to see three boys from high school football teams he had coached make it on a Memphis State team, noted “it was just an indescribable moment…it’s the legacy…of Mississippi high school football” (p. 166).
While the book presented the views of three ex-football players, which may have led to a discussion of their biased views, even this provides insight into the inspiration these authors felt from working with the coaches. This book is a valuable source for sports players, coaches, community leaders, and the public. While the book can be criticized for its possible bias, the book provides insight for all to understand the value of coaches in football. This book is recommended for academic and public libraries.

William L. Bahr
Assistant Director
Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System

Entry Filed under: Book Reviews
Posted on: January 5th, 2009