My name is Mike Holweger and I am a 1989 graduate of Fenwick High School.  I have just finished writing a book titled He Won the Game, the Legacy of John “Butch” Rossi.  If you were at Fenwick between the years of 1958 and 1999, you know well who I am talking about.  If you graduated after 1999, my guess is that you have heard his name.  Coach Rossi’s importance to Fenwick High School and on the many lives he has impacted is incredible.   Mr. Rossi had an amazing influence on my life.  The purpose of this message is to make you aware of the book and its contents, to let you know why I wrote the story, and to provide the necessary information to purchase a copy.

He Won the Game is organized to mirror a basketball game and it begins with the Pre-Game Warm-Up.  In this section, readers will discover why the book was written. This part also contains the book’s forewords which were written by Justin Holweger and Jay Byrne.  The next section is titled: “Meet the Head Coach.”  In this section readers receive background information on John “Butch” Rossi.  In the “First Quarter”, Mr. Rossi’s life in coaching is recalled.  The information presented here comes from a series of interviews I had with Coach over the last 18 months of his life, and if you played for him, or if you watched his teams play, this part will bring back some great memories.  In the “Second Quarter”, the book shifts to Coach’s memories from the Ohio High School Basketball Tournament.  The final chapter in this section is dedicated to the 1982 State Championship Team.  At “Halftime”, readers will take a walk down memory lane with a pictorial tribute to Coach’s championship life.  The “Third Quarter” is dominated by Coach’s passion for, and involvement with, Fenwick High School.  Mr. Rossi loved the “Fourth Quarter” of basketball games and preached that it was the most important part of the game.  Therefore, it made sense to place The Rossi Media Guide in this part of the book. This is a very touching part of the story because Coach discusses each child and the influence he/she had on his life.  The Post Game Report is a unique section that consists of heart-felt sentiments and letters from former students, players, and friends of Butch.  In “Overtime” many other thankful people praise Butch for the influence he had on their lives.  The book ends with “Coach’s Comments.”

I wrote this book because I did not want Mr. Rossi’s wisdom to die with his death on September 11, 2005.  I believe his words can help people lead happier and more productive lives, and I know his philosophies/wisdom are needed in the world today. If you are interested in the book, please reserve your copy now by completing and returning the order form.

The books will be available for purchase at the Best of Butch Celebration on January, 27, 2008.  The ceremony, which will include a mass, is being held at Fenwick High School from 1:00-3:00.  If you can not make this event, I will be at Campioni’s, in Springboro, on Monday, January 28, and Stefano’s, in Middletown, on Wednesday, January 30.  Come and enjoy a meal between 6:00-8:00 and pick up your copy of the book. 

Regards,

Mike Holweger