Chasing Excellence: The Remarkable Life and Inspiring Vigilosophy of Coach Joe I. Vigil. This item is unavailable.Chasing Excellence: The Remarkable Life and Inspiring Vigilosophy of Coach Joe I. Vigil

Dr. Joe I. Vigil—known simply as “Coach” to virtually everybody he has ever met—rose from poverty to become a towering figure in the running world. Coach has won 19 national championships and coached 425 All-Americans, 22 Olympians…and an army of “Vigilantes” who seek to emulate his unique blend of compassion, competitive spirit, and commitment to others.In this long-overdue biography about America’s preeminent distance-running coach, author and Vigilante Pat Melgares shares Coach Vigil’s tale not just through the consummate storyteller’s own words but also through those of more than 50 family members, friends, former runners, and foes who have been shaped by his presence over a lifetime.Coach Vigil is driven by a persistent desire to learn, a deep faith in people, and an unwavering loyalty to his hometown of Alamosa, Colorado. His life is an American dream—a must-read for anyone who loves an underdog or seeks to understand the timeless qualities that forge a leader. “Chasing Excellence” has been Coach Vigil’s mantra for decades, for himself and those he teaches. At age 90, he’s as relentless as ever in that quest.

Billy Mills shocked the running world with his come-from-behind win in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. A virtual unknown going into the Games, Mills' victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history and was depicted in the 1983 film, Running Brave. His achievement led him to a life of activism, especially on behalf of Native American issues. Mills co-founded Running Strong for American Indian Youth, for which he was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Barack Obama. A member of the Oglala Sioux tribe and a US Marine, Mills was the first non-European to win the Olympic 10,000m and remains the only winner from the Americas.