From Black to Gold...A Quality Read for Steelers Fans

When the author of From Black to Gold contacted me to help promote his new book, I agreed.  I had no idea who Tim Gleason was but figured why not help get the word out about a new book focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers.  My first instinct was this book was going to be another regurgitation of Steelers’ historical facts and stories that have been written about several times in several books.  The author sent me an “author’s copy” to read and From Black to Gold quickly proved my instinct was wrong.

The author, Tim Gleason, is not a sportswriter or an athlete.  He is a regular guy, a season ticket holder, and a true fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  This aspect already makes this book unique.  It is written by a fan and his experience following the Black and Gold for most of his life. 

The title is simple and in four words sums up the franchise’s history.  From 1933 to 1970 (the Black) the Steelers organization was cursed, doomed and were a pro football failure in terms of wins and playoff berths.  From 1970 to present (the Gold) the Steelers turned their bad luck around and became one of the greatest teams in the history of the modern NFL.

Mr. Gleason’s book is chalked full of his personal experiences as a fan.  He shares his experiences from following the team on the radio, T.V., live games and his personal interactions with players (past and present).  The individual chapters provide some insights that will have the reader and Steeler historians learning something new.  His personal interviews with members of the Steelers offer a different perspective and angle due to his status as a fan, not as a professional sportswriter.  His interaction was often out of luck as a fan not due to access like many sportswriters enjoy. 

From Black to Gold is a unique book on the Pittsburgh Steelers.  It was a pleasure to read it and I personally thank Tim Gleason for allowing me a “sneak peak” of his herculean effort.  It is well written and I’m certain it will be well received by the Steeler Nation.  The book has been endorsed by Steeler great Rocky Bleier, former player and coach Dick Hoak and Art Rooney Jr. wrote the book’s foreword.  SteelerFury.Com is also pleased to endorse and recommend this quality read.

From Black to Gold goes on sale this Saturday, July 24^th.  The hardcover version  sells for a nominal price of $24.95.  Check out Tim’s web-site to order:  www.fromblacktogold.com

About the author:

Tim Gleason became the first full-time commissioner of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) in 1991.  Previously he had been promotions and licensing coordinator for the NCAA (1980-83) and assistant executive director for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) from 1983-91.  While at NACDA Gleason was managing editor of Athletics Administration and his editorial regarding President Reagan's tax plan made headlines in the New York Times in 1985.

Gleason has led the OAC into national and international limelight throughout his tenure.  He orchestrated the first collegiate football game ever played outside North America when OAC members Heidelberg University and Otterbein College tied 7-7in Frankfort Germany in September 1992.  Gleason was the president of the NCAA Division III Commissioners Association (2004-06) where he fathered the $1.4 million NCAA Conference Grant Program.  He received the organization's Meritorious Service Award for his efforts.

In 1989, Gleason founded the Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the National Football Foundation, which he presided over for 21 years.  The foundation raised $300,000 in scholarship monies for high school and college scholar football players.  He received the Foundation's Presidential Leadership Award in 1998 and Distinguished Service Award in 2007.  Gleason received the As a Bushnell Commissioners Award from the All-American Football Foundation in 2001.

Gleason was a member of the NCAA Division III Management Council from 2004-09.  He chaired the prestigious NCAA Honors Committee and was a member of the Championships Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Infractions Appeals Committee, Legislation Committee and Division III Football Committee.

Gleason was an active member of NACDA throughout his career.  He served as the association's secretary and parliamentarian and was a member of the Executive Committee.  Gleason was on NACDA's Games Committee for both the Kickoff Classic and Pigskin Classic from 1991-95.

A passionate advocate for sportsmanship, Gleason developed Operation Good Sport, a nationally acclaimed program that received the Jostens Community Service Award in 2004.  Gleason was selected as a Sports Ethics Fellow by the Institute for International Sport in 2005.

Born in Pittsburgh, Gleason grew up in Youngstown, Ohio where he graduated from Chaney High School in 1973.  He was a member of the track team and vice president of the senior class.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University in 1979 and a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Education from Cleveland State University in 1986.  He was St. Thomas's Alumni-of-the-Year in 1983.

Gleason and his wife Sherry (Rummell) reside in Mineral Ridge (OH) and have three daughters, Shannon, Bethany and Mary Rose.