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As World War II ended, Arnold Ryan got his start as a high school
basketball coach in the tiny town of Puxico, Missouri. The 29-year- old
Ryan had no formal coaching experience, but his team would bring change
to the American Game. His 1951 Puxico Indians were the manifestation of modern basketball, one of the
most powerful- and provocative—teams ever to play the game. But more was
involved than a coach and talented athletes. Pride in school, community,
heritage, and the vision , courage and virtue of real achievement played
equal parts.
The Puxico Indians played in a log gym, and they
made basketball history, innovating run-and-gun offense and pioneering
full court defense. But the Ryanmen weren’t just an awesome basketball
team. They were the American Dream, transcending sports to
embrace the higher instinct in us all. Discover why
the story of Puxico basketball and the message of Mr. Ryan are as old as
greatness in people.
“A remarkable work of research , one which verifies
a legend.”
Marty Eddlemon, Springfield News-Leader
“Amazing” Mike Shain, KFVS-TV, Cape Girardeau
“A very good book that combines sports with
Missouri history….
A wonderful look at Arnold Ryan.”
Bernie Miklasz,
St. Louis Post- Dispatch
“Perfect for fans who can appreciate the magic of
small-town bas-ketball.”
Warren
Hayes, St. Louis SuburbanJournals
“But it is more than just a sports story. The
author has combined two interesting subjects - - a significant section
of the book is devoted to local history, which adds flavor and insight
into the basketball phenomenon.”
Missouri Historical Review
The Legend of Puxico would make a terrific
fable with which old-time fans could regale new generations -- if only
it was a fable. The Legend of Puxico is true."
St. Louis Post - Dispatch, 1991
"It was marvelous, magical story. It was more than
two championship seasons. It was a source of sustained pride for a
community, confirmation of it's rural values."
St. Louis Globe - Democrat, 1985
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