Author/Alumnus: Scarlet Knights Are "A Football Phoenix"
Michael Pellowski is the author of more than 250 books (sports, middle-grade novels, humor, and children's picture books).
The most recent, and possibly the closest to his heart, is Rutgers Football: A Gridiron Tradition in Scarlet (published November 2007 by Rutgers University Press).
The book recaps records, achievements, innovations, coaches and players, noteworthy opponents, facts and gridiron tidbits. He calls it a "tell-all book about the ups and downs of Rutgers football that also serves as a broad history of college football."
A Rutgers letterwinner and 1971 graduate of Rutgers College, Pellowski started the "Centennial Game" of college football in 1969 against Princeton -- a game that Rutgers won, 29-6.
Pellowski writes: "Like a football phoenix, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have crashed and burned -- only to rise and soar to great gridiron heights under the guidance of head coach Greg Schiano."
ChopChamps.com reached out to Michael at his home in Somerset County, N.J. to ask him about the brand-new book:
ChopChamps.com: What is your Rutgers story?
Pellowski: My parents did not have formal education beyond 5th grade. College was unheard of. After the usual delinquent troubles of the 60s, I got into sports as an outlet for my aggression. I did not play organized sports until the 10th grade. The first organized football game I ever played was a varsity start. I knocked out a bunch of guys in practice to earn that right.
I was recruited by Duke, Army, Temple, Colorado State, Cornell, Columbia, William & Mary and others, but chose Rutgers. I wanted to prove myself as a student and an athlete. I also needed to stay close to home to help my family and wanted to play in the 100th anniversary game of college football.
[Editor's note: Pellowski, a defensive end, finished his Rutgers career with 18 QB sacks and set a record with 4 QB sacks in one game against Lafayette in 1969. He also lettered in baseball and hit .312 in his Scarlet Knights career.]
ChopChamps.com: What made you decide to write "Rutgers Football"?
Pellowski: There was a need to set the record straight about Rutgers football history. Rutgers program suffered in the late 1990s, but had many great teams and players in the past. Rutgers was not always a gridiron doormat as many seem to think. Rutgers story is the story of college football.
ChopChamps.com: Tell us about how you did and what you did for your research -- did you talk with players, alumni, coaches, historians, etc.? Library and secondary research?
Pellowski: I've been mentally and physically storing notes, recording conversations and collecting memorabilia for this book for over 30 years. I've known and talked in depth with many Rutgers greats (players/coaches) from the past including Al Twitchell, Frank Burns, Matt Bolger, Dave Bender, etc. I researched old books, programs, newspapers, historians, etc. Also Rutgers football lettermen of all decades contributed photos and info. So did Rutgers opponents.
ChopChamps.com: How long were the research, writing, and publishing processes?
Pellowski: The actual writing and putting together of photos was a tight 3 1/2-month job due to the hasty deadline imposed on me by Rutgers Press.
ChopChamps.com: You've written many books, including sports books and children's books. Briefly describe your professional writing career.
Pellowski: My career has been long, intersting and satisfying even though I've never made alot of money compared to most of my fellow grads. All I ever wanted to be (after a shot at pro football) was a writer and I've lived my dreams. Success cannot always be measured by monetary gains.
ChopChamps.com: If you could say one thing to all Rutgers football fans, what would it be?
Pellowski: Go Rutgers! Stay the course!
ChopChamps.com: "Keep chopping" is the Rutgers football mantra ... how do you see this as working?
Pellowski: I support Coach Schiano in all he has said and done on and off the field. Keep chopping Scarlet Knights. Go Rutgers!
