ANIMAL KEEPERS - Tapa dura

"Few books have captured the spirit of cross country running; fewer still have the capacity to move you long after the story has finished its run. Donn Behnke's The Animal Keepers makes good on both counts, and is as timely as it is timeless. It's destined for a good long run." -- Chris Lear, author of Running with the Buffaloes "Chris Lear, author of Running with the Buffaloes"

"If you want to learn the real meaning of the word 'team,' buy this book. You'll see what running can teach about life." -- Coach Roy Benson, Director Emeritus of NIKE Smoky Mt. and Green Mt. Running Camps "Coach Roy Benson, Director Emeritus of NIKE Smoky Mt. and Green Mt. Running Camps"

The Animal Keepers is a triumph ... Behnke's prose is straightforward and the book is full of quality details, a testament to Behnke's memory and ability to weave those descriptions in seamlessly. When you find (a story) told as beautifully as this one, you hold on to it. -- Jonathan Gault "LetsRun.com"

Runners will appreciate the detailed descriptions and the depth of Behnke's understanding of the running life. The book is a feel-good story without being sappyone that leaves you proud to be a runner and inspired to embrace the world with renewed passion and hope. -- Jonathan Beverly "Runners World"

The Animal Keepers tells the true story of the Stevens Point High School cross country team and their unforgettable journey through the 1985 season. Joined by first year runner Scott "The Animal" Longley - a developmentally disabled student who lived in a group home - the year takes an unexpected turn as this most unlikely hero leads them on a quest for a state title. Surrounded by a group of serious and dedicated runners "The Animal" set out to prove he belonged. Driven by his incredible enthusiasm and never ending optimism the '85 season became a voyage of discovery for Scott, his coach, and his teammates as they worked to assemble a competitive team from a jumble of spare parts. Told from the perspective of a young coach this is a book about running, competing, and team building, but at its center this is the story of a young man with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities who loved to run, loved to compete, and most of all loved being part of a team.