Contributed by: Erika Davis / Creekside Books & Coffee

Jack Reed, Skaneateles resident and long-time cross country and track coach, will talk about his book, “Back to the Front” at Creekside Books & Coffee on Thursday, July 16th beginning at 7:00 PM.

The story centers on the 2006 Girl’s Cross Country Team and reveals intimate and stark, jaw-dropping details that leaves nothing out, including incidents involving alcohol that jeopardized the girl’s 14-year unbeaten streak and the imprisonment of a teammate for killing a childhood friend. The story of a high school superstar, national champion and Athens Olympian Jonathon Riley trying to break the 4-minute mile is told for the first time. This coming-of-age tale about Skaneateles student-athletes is raw, and as Phil Blackwell, the Sports Editor of the Eagle Newspapers, says, “By the time 402 pages are done and the races have all been run, your emotions are spent.”

“Our goal is to make sure that the championship has to go through us,” states Coach Reed. For the better part of his career, the retired history teacher did just that. From inauspicious beginnings, the Skaneateles girls won four state titles and earned regional ranking by Marc Bloom in the Bible of XC, “The Harrier”. Coaching his two sons, Reed came to understand the delicate balance between academics, athletics and the need for sleep. “Every time I watch a race,” says the coach, “I’m humbled and uplifted by the human spirit I see from these gutsy kids. This generation has game.”

“Jack Reed created a dynasty of excellence while at Skaneateles and remains one of the premier coaches to emerge from Central New York and the State as a whole. His conversational perspective of high school cross country in our neck of the woods, with emphasis placed upon his many years of leading Skaneateles to championship after championship, will undoubtedly hold the interest of past, recent and prospective high school runners, as well as their parents and coaches.” Bill Aris, Head Coach, Fayetteville Manlius

Creekside Books & Coffee is located at 35 Fennell Street in Skaneateles. The bookstore is the only retail store in the village selling new hardcover and paperback books as well as toys, gifts, greeting cards and unique seasonal merchandise. The coffeehouse features freshly roasted coffee, local wines and selected appetizers as well as a light fare menu for breakfast and lunch. Come and enjoy the pleasant, relaxing atmosphere in the bookstore and coffeehouse.