Too Small to Win

The greatest underdog story in cross country history. "This story shows that regardless of what you pursue in life, size does not limit your potential for success." -Jack Hazen, 2012 US Olympic Distance Coach You wouldn't think a tiny place like Caldwell, Ohio-a village with three traffic lights and a population under 2,000 in the Appalachian foothills-would become a cross country hotbed. But in the 1980s, a group of young men from Caldwell banded together to become the best high school boys cross country team in the nation. The journey to greatness wasn't solely based on athleticism. It was fueled by teamwork, a commitment to excellence, challenging terrain, mental toughness, and the fearlessness to race against schools 10 and 20 times Caldwell's size. Too Small to Win details the Caldwell High School boys' cross country team's improbable rise from 1983 through 1986, the beginning of a dynasty. The underdog story is recounted by Coach Ron Martin and the runners who achieved so much success. The book also includes Coach Martin's 10 "keys to success" to highlight elements that were critical to the team's progress. The David-vs.-Goliath tale of triumph over adversity helps remind us that with dedication, teamwork, and a strong vision, even a small-town team from an impoverished community can achieve glory. This timeless story will inspire cross country and sports fans alike.