FAIRHOPE, Ala.—Thursday, Sept. 25, at Page and Pallet, Ivan Maisel signed copies of his book American Coach. Page and Pallet holds these events often. 

Maisel, sports writer and journalist, published four books. Covering college football for over four decades, Maisel’s book tells the story of the forgotten legend of Frank Leahy. 

Maisel’s goal of writing this book was to bring light to the Notre Dame coach who had somehow been forgotten. 

“I was inspired to write this book because I was intrigued by the fact that this guy was such a successful coach and I could find so little about him,” Maisel said.

Participants were able to buy a copy of the book, then have a seat and listen to a brief description. After, participants could take their copy, take a picture and get it signed by Maisel. 

Maisel’s book helps capture the hardship of coaching and the struggles that extend beyond the playing field. It gives a detailed portrait of Leahy and his rising success at Notre Dame before eventually being forgotten from the public eye. 

“I think it’s more than a football story, in America, I think we tell ourselves with hard work we can become who we want to be, he did that, he also paid a price for doing that,” Maisel said.

Maisel wanted to show Leahy his incredible contributions to the Notre Dame team. He wanted to draw attention to how Leahy brought the team to success and the mental impact coaching had on him.

Writing this story and showcasing Leahy’s life and career can teach a valuable lesson to readers, showing that with hard work and talent comes responsibility and a price to pay. 

“To me, he was both a hero and a cautionary tale,” Maisel said.

The next signing will be Tuesday, Oct. 7, featuring author Sean Dietrich. He will sign copies of his newly published book, You Are My Sunshine, with music by the Mullet Band.