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See what readers are saying about Maynard 8 Miles, and discover why this story continues to inspire.
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Experience the triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments of Maynard 8 Miles.
See what readers are saying about Maynard 8 Miles, and discover why this story continues to inspire.
Experience the triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments of Maynard 8 Miles.
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I grew up in Iowa during the peak of 6 on 6 girls basketball and graduated from Valley-West Des Moines in 1974. All the small farm towns, the Unified School Districts like Yale-Jamaica-Baird and Rockwell Swaledell. Girls state in Des Moines at Veterans Auditorium was a highlight of our school year. So needless to say this book spoke to me and took me down memory lane to a more simple time.
Don Inman
I, along with my family moved into the Maynard school district in about 1955 where I enrolled at Maynard, graduating in 1961. I wasn't wandering the halls for long before it became very apparent that that Maynard girl's basketball was to be the talk of even my junior high classmates. As I advanced into high school I got to know many of the girls mentioned in "Maynard 8 Miles". In all of the years that I conversed with them, they were never anything but humble and kind. This book told me what only a true insider would know about the Nicholsons. I was on the boy's squad that was called upon, from time to time, to scrimmage with the girls. "Maynard 8 Miles" took me back 50 years and left me with a yearning for those good old days!
Carles E. Trotter
Great story about the personal side of Girls 6 on 6 Basketball in Iowa. Growing up near both Maynard and Oelwein, this book captures the essence of small town Iowa and what Girls' Basketball "back in the day" meant to the whole state. Loved the story, the humbleness of Carolyn and the other main characters. I have no doubt these ladies made memories that lasted a lifetime, and truly achieved greatness in the sport and in life, but kept a lot to themselves in the quiet, humble way only someone from Iowa and/or the Midwest can understand. I sincerely hope and pray this story is made into a movie!
Diane Haupt
“When Brian asked me to write the foreword to his Book, I was truly honored. Glenn Borland was a very important person during my high school days. I love basketball and I love the story of Glenn and Carolyn Borland. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.”
Jim Doyle
“This Book is outstanding! My personal feeling is that every Iowa Girls’ basketball player should read this book. After reading Maynard 8 Miles, you will know exactly why this needs to be shared with your players.”
Mark Tiby
“My dear new friend, it was a highlight of my life getting to meet you and visit with you. You did a masterful job with the story. God bless you and your family for pulling this beautiful story together. Your mom was born part Ruth and part Glenn Nicholson. She was born with a never-give-up attitude. She was a fierce competitor on the court in the most humble way. Carolyn went into a zone when she got on the court. What a special gift you gave us all. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Your dad was a legend in all of Iowa. How can we girls thank you enough? I’ve got my eye on you.”
Marjorie Fish Holston
“I was at the 1956 Championship game. Your mom was a hero to all the players watching. She put on a clinic in Des Moines. I remember how pretty your mom was in the striking new blue and white uniform.”
Sandy Richards
“Thank you so much for writing Maynard 8 Miles. I learned so much about the State Tournament through my younger sisters. Ruth called me from the stadium that night. I heard the noise and excitement over the phone. Great book. Your mom and dad were stars.”
Aunt Lou Ann