Bernie Saggau & the Iowa Boys: The Centennial History of the Iowa High School Athletic Association by Chuck Offenburger (2005 Signed 1^st Edition Softcover)

• Author:   Chuck Offenburger

• Publisher:   Iowa High School Athletic Association Boone, IA U.S.A. 2005

This is the most comprehensive history of boys high school athletics in Iowa. Simultaneously, it reads like a storybook of sports vignettes and an encyclopedia of information about the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). The book highlights the programs and events that have helped build the association as one of the most admired boys' sports programs in the U.S.

The purpose of this book is to pay tribute to the life and career of Bernie Saggau -- a man who devoted much of his professional career to the development of the association. As Chuck Offenburger recalls Saggau's 37 years as executive director, readers are treated to some amazing stories about athletes, coaches, referees, administrators, media and fans who have come to realize that there may be no better place to be a high school athlete than in Iowa. Illustrated with B&W photos, xvi+504pp+4x8pp photos.

In an effort to celebrate the uniqueness of high school athletics in Iowa, Offenburger illustrates how sports have shaped the history of many small towns over the past 100 years. Readers of the book will learn about:

• the life and career of Bernie Saggau, who retired from the IHSAA on January 1, 2005;

• the life and career of Rick Wulkow, the current executive director of the IHSAA;

• some of the most devoted athletes and athletic families in the state;

• the 25 greatest high school male athletes of the past century;

• The Centennial Honor Roll -- the results of a survey which includes the 25 greatest and 100 other athletes who are rated among the best ever by coaches, athletes, administrators, fans and the media;

• fifteen notable alumni of the program who have become renowned beyond athletics.

Chuck Offenburger has been writing about the people, places and events of Iowa for more than 50 years now. A native of Shenandoah, Iowa, Offenburger spent 26 years writing for The Des Moines Register, including 21 years writing the "Iowa Boy" column. Author of at least 6 books about Iowa.

This copy is inscribed by the author to Delpha Andrusyk, widow of Tony A. Andrisyk (1917-1999). Mr. Andrusyk spent over 40 years as teacher and coach for Greene County High School in Jefferson, IA.

Softcover appears never read. Minor indents on uncreased spine from storage. Interior is tight, clean and, except for inscription, unmarked.

• Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall, 550pp

• Condition: Near Fine (As New) Softcover – Always privately owned, 1^st Edition, Inscribed by Author.

Copyright 2005. Printed in U.S.A. Stated: First printing, 2005. No LCCN. ISBN: 0-9764875-1-9, is different from ISBN on rear cover: 976487549-X, more evidence of a true 1st Edition. No MSR.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.

Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1^st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1^st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1^st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.

Thanks for looking!