Always Compete: An Inside Look at Pete Carroll and the USC Football Juggernaut

"Always Compete" A Great Inside Look at Pete Carroll & the 2008 USC Trojan Football Team

I have had the pleasure a reading an early copy of this wonderfully written book by Steve Bisheff, a true Trojan Insider. Steve was given full cooperation and un-paralleled access to Coach Pete Carroll and the USC Football program during the USC 2008 football campaign. The author used his chance and opportunity to its fullest of possibilities and potential. The book is insightful, truthful and does not shy away from the "hard questions". Of special interest to Trojan insiders, "Always Compete" is the first time that the "real" Norm Chow - Pete Carroll story is played out in full and nothing is held back, and its veracity is confirmed by Coach as well.

I am especially fond of the "Pete Profile" sections where a little bit about Coach Pete is revealed, side by side with a week-by-week, in depth review of the 2008 Trojan's Season, culminating in the 2009 Rose Bowl and thrilling victory over Penn State. The Pete Profile's really do humanize Coach Carroll and give you and insiders view of what makes him tick, how he thinks and what he believes in. "Always Compete" is really how Coach deals with all aspects of his life and how he interacts with all those that he comes across. In this book you'll learn that Coach is not afraid to put himself out to do his job, going way past the extra mile to make sure the job is not only done well, but to the fullest of his potential, breaking molds, perceptions and shifting paradigms all along the way, the book reveals in a poignant manner what makes Coach tick, and how his "Always Compete" philosophy extends to all those working around him. You get the sense that people don't "work" for Coach. They are part of the Team, a Real Team where everyday is chance for every Team Member to do their best in all aspects of preparation and implementation of the tasks ahead to meet the coming day's challenges.

I am especially fond of the parts where Coach Carroll's service work with the community and his foundation ABetterLA are exposed for what they are, a man with a voice, a conscience, a will and a true desire to find endless way to give back to the community. The reader will learn that ABetterLA is about campaigning against gang violence and solving the inequities of class struggles of South Los Angeles. Coach is a true leader in this respect, his story has been on national television and press, and this is not about football, it's about life. You'll learn that Pete is unswerving is his desire to encourage others to "Always Compete" and pitch in so our whole community can "Win Forever".

I was at an event where Steve Bisheff read aloud the "Pete Profile" Chapter about Ryan Davidson, a courageous and valiant young man who lost his 10 year long battle against cancer this past year on his 16th birthday. The Story about the USC football team's enduring relationship with Ryan and his Family is real and genuine, right down to the emotions expressed by Coach and the players that supported Ryan with friendship, love and care for over 5 years. When Steve read these passages there was not a dry eye in the house. Ryan we miss you, thanks Steve for bring us Ryan's story 5 years ago and for helping to keep Our Captain, Ryan Davidson, alive in our hearts forever in your book.

Well, this Trojan couldn't put "Always Compete" down until I was done. This book is a true "must have" addition for any and all USC Football and Coach Pete Carroll fans

Always Comepete

As a lifelong,die-hard USC Trojan football fan I read everything I can find about the team and about coach Pete Carroll. This book is the best that I've found in terms of really getting inside the program and seeing the inner workings of a top football team. The author's relationship with Carroll enabled him to gain terrific access and the result is a very well-researched book that every USC fan will enjoy.

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