The Junior Varsity Team Is Playing: The upheaval of 1968 and a great sports event!

by Joseph Rapczynski

Overview

This book is nominated for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. It is the story of one of the greatest and unique sports events to ever take place. It has never happened before or since. It takes place in Philadelphia in the storied Palestra where one of the most exciting events in basketball history unfolded. In 1968 The Northeast Catholic High School for Boys had a sterling reputation for discipline, structure, and success. The students came from urban, working-class neighborhoods. Parents in the community were hard-working, straight-talking people who lived through the Great Depression and WW II. They supported their churches and schools. Northeast Catholic High School also had a defending championship basketball team. On the first day of the basketball playoffs the school administration found itself under fire. What happened? How did the pressured decisions impact the dramatic actions that took place as well as the lives of so many people? Its a fascinating story that continues to capture the imagination of people everywhere. How did the unraveling of this event begin with deep disappointment and end with the joy of elation?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780692043271
Publisher:	Joseph Rapczynski
Publication date:	06/11/2019
Pages:	222
Sales rank:	88,432
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

Joe Rapczynski grew up in Philadelphia. His house was right around the corner from St. Anne's school and right up the street from the local playground. That, combined with a loving family and good friends, were all that a young boy needed to grow up in Philadelphia in the 1960's. He went on to accept a full basketball scholarship to LaSalle College, now University. Upon graduation, he became a history teacher and basketball coach where he taught and coached high school, college, and minor league professional basketball. He returned to his Alma Mater, Northeast Catholic High School, to lead them to a championship and won a state championship at Brandywine High School. In 1968 he was a sophomore in high school negotiating all of the challenges of growing up while being aware of changes taking place in the world. He was also the only player to play on both the JV and Varsity team and bear witness to all that transpired in 1968. He has been married to his wife Mary Jo for 40 years and is the proud father of Beth, Lori, and son JJ. He is also the proud grandfather of Bridget and Emily. Joe is proud to write The Junior Varsity Team Is Playing. It is a story that continues to captured the imagination of people everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

This book is an inside look at the year 1968 and one of the legendary events in sports history. It made national news at the time and still resonates today. It is a must read for any fan of history and sports.

basketball coach - Jim Fenerty

To anyone who has true sports fiber, get ready for a real treat. This legendary story has been celebrated for over 50 years and here is an insiders look into the never-told events surrounding it. I'm honored to support the book and give it my highest recommendation. Anyone who has ever to aspire or play or coach sports should read and learn from this great story.

basketball coach - Mike McCarron

Joe Rapczynski brings to life, with this vivid recollection, a sports story that made national news. Played out during the 1960's, an era of political statements, challenging authority, and the still unwavering trust in adults did the events take place. This is a story of a group of 16 and 17 year-old boys whose faith and innocence were tested against the turbulent times of the 1960's. A must read for anyone who grew up in the culture of big cities, their neighborhoods, parishes, and schools.

businessman/hoop coach - Chris Madison