Living A Dream With Coach Gate

This book is more than about wins and losses. It is the story of Tom Applegate, a Quaker pastor who decided he could best serve humanity by teaching in the city. Growing up in Spiceland, a small town in east central Indiana, he developed a Hoosier passion for basketball. Having very little success as a player in high school did not dampen his enthusiasm for basketball. It is interesting, easy to read, and thought evoking. It provides a wonderful yet different perspective. As you read you become involved in the lives of the young men who played for Coach Applegate. Living a Dream with Coach Gate is great reading material for anyone looking to accomplish their lifelong dream. The book is entertaining but still presents a very interesting story. Coach Applegate did an outstanding job of exhibiting qualities that successful coaches must possess. The chapter on the extended family was very well done and told it "like it should be." The line "Success is a journey not a destination" pretty well says it all. Tom and Carolyn, his wife, were a wonderful team. This book describes an almost-unbelievable chain of events. It was their compassion and fundamental goodness that made it work. To know the man makes his story more interesting. It is hard to imagine this mild-mannered individual heading up such a basketball powerhouse with so many strong-willed and high-spirited players. Once you know of his love for his fellowman, his understanding and strong values, you know why he was able to attain his dreams and successes. This book tells of his life experience, his team successes, and failures. He was a coach much loved and respected by his players.