Tennis in the Northland

Like Tom Swift, I am shamelessly promoting a book I have written. As a former high school tennis coach in Northfield (from 1971-87) and a former English teacher at the high school, I thought I might be able to write something about the sport I came to love. So when I retired in 2001 I began to write an homage to the coaches and players who devoted their time to the sport. The result is a 448-page comprehensive history of boys' high school tennis in Minnesota called Tennis in the Northland: A History of Boys' High School Tennis in Minnesota (1929-2003). The book features narrative profiles of all the singles and doubles champions, prominent tennis coaches and families, dynasty teams such as Edina and Rochester, Cinderella teams such as St. James, girls who played on boys' teams before Title IX, and much more. There are also about 180 photos of former players and coaches.

Now here's my pitch: I will be doing a reading and book signing in Northfield on June 12--at the public library from 7-9 P.M. Cookies and lemonade will be served, of course. If you would like to find out more about the book, you can go to my website at www.jim-holden.com.

In addition, I will be interviewed on Wayne Eddy's radio show on June 11, and you can call me at 645-5313 if you would like to order a copy of the book directly from me.