The Sand Man: An Autobiography

by Karch Kiraly , Byron Shewman

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 4 ratings · 1 review

The inspirational story of Karch Kiraly, one of the world's greatest volleyball players, now going for his fourth Olympic Gold Medal at the Sydney, Australia 2000 games. 30 photos.

Hardcover , 222 pages

Published April 1st 1999 by Renaissance Books

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Apr 20, 2013 Mike rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm not sure whether to be more amazed by his ability or longevity, there is no doubt Karch is the greatest of all time. This brief book recaps his childhood in Santa Barbara, where his dad was his first doubles partner, thru UCLA and his early beach career with Sinjin Smith, his 2 indoor golds with the national team and his beach career with Kent Steffes, dominating the AVP and winning gold in Atlanta '96.

Karch is not looking to settle scores. He shares his recollections and criticisms, but of I'm not sure whether to be more amazed by his ability or longevity, there is no doubt Karch is the greatest of all time. This brief book recaps his childhood in Santa Barbara, where his dad was his first doubles partner, thru UCLA and his early beach career with Sinjin Smith, his 2 indoor golds with the national team and his beach career with Kent Steffes, dominating the AVP and winning gold in Atlanta '96.

Karch is not looking to settle scores. He shares his recollections and criticisms, but often adds that in retrospect he could understand others' actions more clearly. This is most notable with his first national team coach, Doug Beal, who was intense, rigid, and intolerant of the Californian attitude. Karch has no love for him, but admitted that they were young and needed the discipline to become the best in the world.

The book could (should) have been double the length, it just begs for more detail. There are still great stories to be found:
The Soviets were the best in the world and boycotted the LA games, a huge disappointment to both teams. In late '84 the teams met in Japan for the "Real Olympic Finals" and the US lost in 5 but did not have their starting setter. After the match, the US team went over to the Soviets' rooms to hang out, arriving in hotel robes with the belts around their foreheads, samurai-style. Much vodka was consumed - true sports diplomacy!
Steve Timmons breaking into the first team after subbing in during a match in Cuba and completely dominating, especially with back row hits.
Honorary '84 captain Tom Selleck!
Karch tying for first in The Superstars with Mark Gastineau but losing in the head-to-head tiebreaker.
The turmoil around the AVPs financial situation, loss of the title sponsor, and lawsuit by Kent Steffes.
Hooking up w/ Sinjin Smith's girlfriend while Smith was training w/ national team, then married his roommate's ex.
At 6'2", he isn't tall enough even to be a setter the way the game is played today. ...more

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