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The Road to the Horseshoe and Beyond: How a Small-Town Athlete Benefited from Ohio State Football to Build a Life

The Road to the Horseshoe and Beyond: How a Small-Town Athlete Benefited from Ohio State Football to Build a Life

Current price: $28.00
Publication Date: January 11th, 2022
Publisher:
Amplify Publishing
ISBN:
9781637552957
Pages:
360

Description

"Legendary stories about my dear friend Rex Kern abound. His heroics at Ohio State electrified crowds and inspired reverence from an entire generation of Buckeye fans.

"I was there as his competitor and teammate, confidante and friend, as well as his occasional partner in mischief. Our brotherhood was forged by a common purpose and an unforgettable championship run.

"Now Rex tells his story, and I was delighted to learn things about him that I didn't know even after more than fifty years of close friendship. He wrote this as a gift to his sons and grandchildren--to tell in his own words what it was really like--but it is a gift to all of us. From a barbershop in Lancaster to a prayer breakfast at the White House to a College Football Hall of Fame ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria--and to the many doctor's visits and surgeries in between--he walks us through a life always defined by humility, grace, and perseverance. His devotion to family, friendship, and faith in the midst of often debilitating pain is endlessly inspiring.

"Rex Kern is not just a football legend, he is a champion at everything that matters in life."

-- Ron Maciejowski, "Super Sub" of the "Super Sophs," OSU 1968-69-70.

About the Author

Rex Kern was an All-Ohio athlete in three sports at four positions: basketball, baseball, and both quarterback and safety in football. His dream was to play varsity basketball and football at Ohio State. He did become Ohio State's starting quarterback his sophomore year, but due to surgeries was unable to continue his OSU basketball career. After graduation, he played for the Baltimore Colts and the Buffalo Bills, starting at cornerback, a new position, and safety during his four NFL seasons. In 2007, Rex was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. When injuries ended his football career, his goal was to work toward becoming the Athletic Director at Ohio State. Despite his Ph.D. in athletic administration, athletic accomplishments, and off-season experience, that door was closed. Fortunately, lifelong mentor and friend Jack Havens led Rex to success in a start-up company, acquisitions, banking, and investments. Rex wanted a memoir to recognize and honor dozens of his past mentors, as well as guide and inform future generations of the Kern family. He was convinced to open that book to friends, Buckeye fans, and anyone who might enjoy an All-American story. -- Lee Caryer