Lone Star Gridiron's (LSG) Chris Doelle and University Interscholastic League (UIL) Dr. Charles Breithaupt teamed up to write the definitive book on D.W. Rutledge. The book, Rocket Man: The Story of D.W. Rutledge and the Judson High School Football Dynasty chronicles the life of Rutledge from his high school and college playing days, his historic career as a coach (including every single game leading the Converse Judson Rockets) and on through to the role he has played as Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association. Rocket Man was published this month and in advance of the release, D.W. and Rocket Man have already gotten rave reviews:
“D.W. Rutledge is one of the most revered coaches and leaders in our great state. Part of that is because of the amazing success he had as a coach, but mostly it’s the result of who he is as a man and the impact he’s had on so many coaches, players and administrators. I can’t thank him enough for all he has done for me personally, going back to my first coaching job at Texas Lutheran. D.W. welcomed me to this state with open arms, helped me when he hardly knew me and continues to be a great mentor, confidant and dear friend.”
Coach Tom Herman
Head Football Coach
University of Texas at Austin
“Texas High School Football plays a major role within our state’s culture. The passion and drive for excellence for this game runs deep within each community. No state has more legendary football coaches than Texas.
Rocket Man captures the story of one of the greatest coaches in this state’s rich history. This story of D.W. Rutledge is not just about winning state championships at Judson HS. It captures his commitment to “Coaching Beyond the Game.” His legacy is played out by the way he changed the lives of athletes he coached, and his leadership of the Texas High School Coaches Association."
Joe Martin
Executive Director
Texas High School Coaches Association
“Significant to head football coaches and their staff’s during the 1980’s and 1990’s was where to go to gather and learn more about football other than the regularly scheduled clinics throughout the state of Texas. Football coaches were always looking to visit other schools and programs in order to be exposed to other concepts, schemes, philosophy and training methods. There were several highly regarded programs that coaches from all over the state of Texas might put on their off-season visits but the one program that I knew of that most everyone put on their schedule was the annual pilgrimage to Judson High School to watch the Judson Rocket off-season program along with the normal Offense/Defense/Special Team sessions.”
Rusty Dowling
Executive Director
Texas High School Athletic Directors Association
“D.W. Rutledge is a true legend in all aspects. From his historic coaching career at Judson to his dedication to improve the coaching profession as Executive Director of THSCA, he has become one the most significant sport leaders in the state of Texas. Rocket Man serves as a fitting tribute to D.W. and will give readers an inside look at the beliefs and values that are essential to foundational and sustaining leadership. D.W., throughout his career, aligned his intentions with his impact, and for those of us who have served in the athletic community we are forever grateful for his influence.”
Dr. Susan Elza
Director of Athletics
University Interscholastic League
The book is available in print format via Lone Star Gridiron Press for $24.95 +shipping. An ebook version is scheduled for release later in the year. The authors and Rutledge will be available for book signings at host of events (including one at Converse Judson) this summer as they work to share this great story.
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