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Home > Blogs > Buckeyes Beat > Archives > 2008 > October > 13 > Entry
New Buckeye book not like others
One of the perks of being an Ohio State beat writer is that publishers send you free books about the Buckeyes hoping for a favorable review. I seldom give them more than a passing glance, but in the case of Buckeye Dreams: The Tyler “Tank” Whaley Story, I’ve decided to make an exception.
It’s written by Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch, whom I think is one of the best sports writers in Ohio, and what intrigued me about the book is that he’s taken an unconventional subject — Lord knows we don’t need another Archie Griffin or Woody Hayes book — and made it an easy read.
Whaley was an obscure high school player from football-mad Ironton, Ohio, who had small-college size, speed and talent but a major-college heart. He probably could have excelled at the Division-III level, but he choose instead to chase a dream of donning an Ohio State uniform.
The walk-on route at OSU is an unglamorous one — Whaley supported himself at one point by painting concession stands at Ohio Stadium — but he persevered through the hard times with the help of a supportive family and not only suited up for the Buckeyes, but saw some action at fullback on a Big Ten championship team that played in the 2007 national title game.
Gordon captures Whaley’s spirit in this 148-page tale, and the author deserves credit for realizing it’s not just the stars on a team who have a story worth telling.
Buckeye Dreams: The Tyler “Tank” Whaley Story is available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and other area bookstores.
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