The Golden Age of Red: A Novel of Red Grange, The Galloping Ghost

The Golden Age of Red: A Novel of Red Grange, The Galloping Ghost

One hundred years ago, Red Grange became more famous than Babe Ruth and sparked the original debate as to whether college athletes should be compensated for their name, image, and likeness. At the height of the Roaring Twenties, college football star Red Grange craved normalcy. He longed to finish his season, earn a degree, settle down, and start a business career. Ever modest and shy, Red was poised to achieve his quiet dreams until he scored four touchdowns in the first 12 minutes against undefeated Michigan (the reigning national champions), and sportswriters across the country anointed him the greatest football player of all time. Red’s extraordinary feat is still regarded by Sports Illustrated as the most unforgettable single-day performance by any athlete. Catapulted to a level of fame beyond even Babe Ruth, Red didn’t know where to turn. His girlfriend, coach, friends, family, boosters, and the fledgling NFL all craved a piece of him. With swaggering confidence and a silver tongue, C.C. Pyle, America's first sports agent, dangled before Red an alternate destiny. As the final game clock ticked down, Red struggled to appease those he loved without sacrificing his soul. All the while, his decision played out against the glittering, raucous backdrop of a decade of flappers, jazz, and speakeasies known as the Golden Age of Sports. ----- With appearances by Charlie Chaplin, Chicago Bears owner George Halas, New York Giants owner Tim Mara, and several other 1920s celebrities, including an eight-year-old JFK, whose father, Joe Kennedy, produced two movies starring Red Grange, The Golden Age of Red is a fast, entertaining work of immersive biographical historical fiction that will resonate with sports enthusiasts of all ages, and especially those following today’s almost daily changes regarding the compensation of student-athletes. "In The Golden Age of Red: A Novel of Red Grange, The Galloping Ghost . . . Doug Villhard sets Red's life and achievements against the backdrop of the Roaring 20s, when sports enthusiasm by the general public reached an unprecedented climax. Of special interest to history and sports fans is the psychological components of Red's relationships and changes, which evolve as a result of his talents, involvements, and ambitions. Sports enthusiasts and those interested in college football are in for a real treat as they absorb Red's story." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review "I had a hard time putting it down." - Mike Cagley, IlliniGuys " 5 out of 5 stars! ...exciting, heartwarming, maddening, and -- most of all -- realistic. All at the same time, no less... One doesn't have to be a football fan to enjoy this novel about the Galloping Ghost." - Lance Smith, "The Guy Who Reviews Sports Books" "Featuring the infamous Coach Zuppke and numerous public figures, the storyline brings "The Galloping Ghost" to life. While a light-hearted romp for sports fans, it serves to highlight the challenges young athletes face aside from their sport.... The Golden Age of Red delivers an interesting slice of biographical fiction perfect for sports enthusiasts." - Novels Alive BookLife EDITOR'S PICK "Sharply told, pulsing with energy, this meticulously crafted historical celebrates the legends but also critically examines the complexities of football's early years, exploring excessive violence, the financial struggles of teams, and the dawn of mass-media celebrity....Preserving the legacy of Red Grange for a new generation makes this a must-read for both football enthusiasts and history buffs." - BookLife Doug Villhard is a writer, professor, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. After decades of starting and selling companies, Villhard is supposed to be retired, but instead is having too much fun heading the #1 ranked entrepreneurship department at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis.Doug, his wife Diane, and their four children live just outside of St. Louis in Glen Carbon, IL, where they co-founded Father McGivney Catholic High School.When Doug isn't writing, teaching, investing in startups, or serving on boards, he's perpetually working toward achieving a respectable golf score. Danielle is an experienced graphic designer and visual arts guru. Her book cover designs range from children's books to fantasy to historical fiction. She has produced commissions for the University of Dayton and the University of Notre Dame from which she holds art and education degrees. Her design and production work has been featured in children's museums, personal commissions, art centers, and schools. Her experience negotiating licensing and creating original artwork is matched only by her amazing ability to bring the written word to life with visual imagery.