Best Regrets

Published by the VMI Keydet Club, this captivating book tells the story of VMI football coach John McKenna, as told by sports author Roland Lazenby, VMI Class of 1974, along with veteran sportswriter Mike Ashley. McKenna was head coach at VMI for 13 seasons during an era in which the NCAA mandated one platoon football. A staunch disciplinarian, who was feared, loved, and always respected by his players, McKenna led his teams to four Southern Conference Championships, six consecutive...
More Description

Published by the VMI Keydet Club, this captivating book tells the story of VMI football coach John McKenna, as told by sports author Roland Lazenby, VMI Class of 1974, along with veteran sportswriter Mike Ashley. McKenna was head coach at VMI for 13 seasons during an era in which the NCAA mandated one platoon football. A staunch disciplinarian, who was feared, loved, and always respected by his players, McKenna led his teams to four Southern Conference Championships, six consecutive winning seasons, and an undefeated season in 1957. Lazenby and Ashley weave McKenna's life story, prior to his departure from VMI in February 1966, with the many successes of his teams and players both on and off the field from a bygone era of college athletics. The text also includes highlights from the Bob Thalman era and takes a look at the unique culture of VMI football.