The Thursday Speeches

Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Football from Coach Don James

By: Peter G. Tormey

Narrated by: Chris Brinkley

The Thursday Speeches pulls back the curtain to put listeners in the room with exclusive access to the compelling pregame speeches from one of the best college football coaches in history. The book reveals the exact words James used to inspire the Huskies to slay the football giants of his day. It features the inspiring stories and invaluable life lessons that Coach Don James used to transform the University of Washington football program from obscurity to the national championship during his legendary 18-year UW career.

Two days before Christmas 1974, Don James seized the reins of a Washington football program in disarray. Immediately James challenged players to do the hard work necessary to get to the Rose Bowl. Some players laughed, reminding James that Washington hadn't been to the Rose Bowl since 1963. James insisted on his vision.

In his third season, the Huskies advanced to the Rose Bowl and - led by future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon - beat the heavily favored Michigan Wolverines.

As but one measure of his coaching skill, Sports Illustrated once named the three best college football coaches in the country: number on, Don James; number two, Don James; number three, Don James.

©2014 Peter G. Tormey (P)2015 Peter G. Tormey

Wonderful Insights into Sport, Leadership and Life

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously, Coach James. Watching him develop his style, endure setbacks but press on to develop a National Championship College Football Program was inspiring.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book. Although never a competitive athlete myself, I am a retired military officer. The mentality is identical. Much of the beauty is how Coach James always took personal responsibility for preparing his team to play and the performance of the team especially when it was less than desired. He varied his style as any great leader will do. There are a plethora of leadership gems sprinkled throughout the book. This is a great read for any coach, player, military person, or leader who wants to continue to develop insights into ways to motivate themselves and others.

Thoughts from Coach

What did you love best about The Thursday Speeches?

I always enjoy learning how winning coaches motivate their players to perform at peak levels. I especially like hearing about coaches of the past-in this case, a college football coach who rose to prominence in the 70's. Lots of timeless wisdom in these speeches-not just for football players, but for men/people in general. Coach James was clearly an incredible man and coach!

Any additional comments?

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Fantastic Life Lessons from Famous Pacific Northwest Football Coach

Don James, legendary University of Washington football coach was a quiet but sturdy presence in the growth of UW football beginning in the 1970’s. He impacted countless people during his career both on and off the field. Hear his wisdom, game preparation techniques and life lessons.

Peter Tormey, from Spokane, WA who played for Coach James provides an interesting look inside the football program, Coach James and context for the Thursday speeches and what James hoped to accomplish on and off the field.

An outstanding book either in print or through Audible.