REVIEW | ‘ANIMAL KEEPERS’

Donn Behnke isn't a great writer, and it shows. He is a great coach, though, and that most definitely shows.

Read 'The Animal Keepers” (KCI Sports Publishing, $22.95, 264 pages) for its powerful message, not for its literary prowess. Forgive the occasional misused pronoun. Disregard the odd typo or misspelling. Just soak in a powerful narrative subtitled 'The Story of an Unlikely Hero and an Unforgettable Season.”

Behnke is the cross-country coach at Stevens Point Area High School in Wisconsin. In 38 years, his teams have qualified for 36 state meets. They've won 10 state titles and finished second seven times. His runners have gone on to win NCAA titles. He's been honored as the national coach of the year.

The book focuses on just one emotion-packed season among those 38 and on one extraordinary individual whose impact goes far beyond athletics.

It's supposed to be a rebuilding year in 1985. Behnke is about to start the first day of practice when he's presented with a special education student who has shown some running ability in a physical education class. Behnke isn't pleased and tries to resist taking on this project. But he does and in the process dramatically changes an entire season.

Here's Behnke's first impression: 'Tall with thick, heavy eyebrows, a haystack of wavy, unruly brown hair, and a chin covered with scruffy whiskers, he seemed like a kid in desperate need of a shave, a haircut, and a good long shower.”

Quickly nicknamed 'The Animal” for his resemblance to a Muppet character, Scott Longley soon becomes the inspiration, and his coach and teammates proudly become 'The Animal Keepers.”

Longley certainly grew from the experience, benefiting from the physical and mental aspects of cross-country and from the camaraderie of a team sport. But Behnke's account makes it clear that the true beneficiaries of his involvement were his coach and teammates. They're rejuvenated by Longley's boundless enthusiasm and appreciation for things they take for granted. His presence, Behnke points out, forces them to confront their prejudices and realize that all he wanted and needed was a chance. And that small act of kindness reaped a great reward for all of them.

In a simple, straightforward style that packs an emotional punch, Behnke relives that remarkable season and shares once again just how impactful athletics can be on an individual, a team and a society.