A Priest, A Dog, and small college basketball--the Zany and Winning Antics of Two Elderly Coaches

When the priest-president of a financially-strapped, small Catholic college turns to two elderly coaches to resurrect his men’s basketball program, the results are a zany combination of unorthodox recruiting and player hijinks. The often hilarious situations and outcomes lead to an unusual success story and an inspiring formula for human connection, inclusion, and friendship.



Kirby Whitacre is a retired educator, athletic administrator, and basketball coach. He is an avid amateur historian whose last novel, The Spirit Traveler, The Northwest Indian War in the Ohio Country, is an exciting adventure detailing the 1790-95 Indian War in the Northwest Territory. Kirby is a student of Mahayana Buddhism and has published the book, Buddhism, A Westerner’s Compendium. He has attended several teachings by His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. Kirby also served as the ghostwriter for the autobiography of Calvin Swan, Faith of An Unwanted Child. Kirby’s hobbies include playing senior softball, daily gym workouts, reading, and following world affairs. Kirby and his wife, Laurie, live with their two dogs, a cat, and whichever of their three children moves back in at any particular time.



Basketball, Catholic, College, Priest, Dog, Elderly, Retired, Winning, Unorthodox, Zany, Antics, Coaches