Running Against The Odds: An Inspirational Journey to Making High School Sports History

Dive into this massively impactful memoir written by Desmond “Coach Dez” Dunham as he battles through his walk of life.Starting with a turbulent childhood in economically-distressed Gary, Indiana to overcoming constant disappointment from a distant, alcoholic father.Desmond perseveres and attends Howard University where he finds his passion on the track and how the sport has shaped his life for the better.Far better than he could have imagined growing up in Gary, Indiana.The true character and resilience of Desmond shines in his memoir as he carves an unpaved path toward both manhood and coaching.Now as a nationally recognized high school coach, Running Against The Odds tells the story of Desmond’s journey to finding his passion within youth sports.It highlights how the 2007 Penn Relays served as a major moment in his impressive running career.If you are a sports fan or have interest in learning about a great story of perseverance, resilience, and success, then this book should be your next read!

The book is split into three parts—the author’s childhood (which was fraught with challenges), the author’s personal experience with athletics (his turning point to something great), and his time coaching. I enjoyed part 3 the most. I wish the author expanded in part 3 more. The book was inspiring, though. It’s a good reminder that we can always do better, we can always strive for more. It’s also a reminder how much teachers/coaches pour into their youth. Lots of sacrifices on their part

Indeed an inspirational journey! This book is a reminder that the very obstacles that try to break us can shape us into who we are. The storytelling is engaging and relatable. I can appreciate the XC stories because XC teaches ALOT of life lessons. The work that went into creating one of the best ALL BLACK HS XC teams was an inspiration to me as a coach. Coach Dunham has a genuine heart for people that is shaped by his family, his teammates, fraternity, coaches and all those who come in contact with him.

My son recently started training with Coach Dunham. One of the first things he said to me was " Mom, Coach Dunham is ALWAYS so enthusiastic! How does he do that?" As soon as I realized that Coach Dunham wrote a book, I ordered it. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a little over 24 hours. Coach Dunham tells his life story in such a raw and naked way with such vulnerability that you immediately start visualizing everything. At times I realized I was holding my breath as if I was living in that moment. I felt the heartbreaking moments. The message is clear: There are injustices and inequities in life. From lack of resources to family hardships, discrimination and unfairness, there will be many obstacles in your way. Despite all of this, you can achieve what you want in life if you really want it and work hard for it. Thank you Coach Dunham for sharing yourself with us. It is an honor to get to know you.

Desmond Dunham is an inspiration. As a coach, father and individual, Coach Dunham exemplifies what is great about the human spirit. He has faced and torn down obstacles throughout his life. In Running Against the Odds, he provides an authentic and unvarnished glimpse into the experiences that shaped him. In a time when so many of our “heroes” gloss over their shortcomings, Coach Dunham provides a refreshing account of the challenges he faced in — learning differences, traumas at home, growing up in a de facto segregated Gary, Indiana, the ups and downs at Howard University and others — without resorting to easy answers explaining his successes. His story is one of hard work, deep love, perseverance, self awareness and giving back. Coach Dunham is a true hero. His impact on the thousands of lives he touches will last for generations. Running Against the Odds is a must read for young people; a must read for coaches; a must read for all.