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Book

Stretch the Cornfield

2014

Purchase on Amazon

Synopsis

"Stretch the Cornfield" by Rob Kiser takes readers into the inspiring and transformative journey of Iowa Wesleyan College’s football team in 1989, marking a key moment in the development of the revolutionary "Air Raid" offense. The story begins with the hiring of Hal Mumme, a Texas high school coach who brought an unconventional and pass-heavy style of play to this small NAIA school in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Alongside assistant coach Mike Leach and receiver Dana Holgorsen, Mumme led the team to unexpected victories, electrifying the school and surrounding community and putting Iowa Wesleyan on the football map.

This breakthrough season wasn’t just about winning games; it was about defying traditional football norms and influencing future generations of the sport. The team's remarkable ascent to the playoffs set the stage for the rise of the Air Raid offense, which would later become a standard across college and professional football. Kiser, through his detailed narrative, captures not only the game strategies and on-field heroics but also the camaraderie, struggles, and determination that fueled the team’s success. This unique season not only changed Iowa Wesleyan but also laid the groundwork for a new era in football, making this book a celebration of innovation in sports history.

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