Book excerpt: Arne Viimets is not a typical coach. Kevin Willister is not a typical player. This is not a typical football story. Arne Viimets has a passion for opera, he owns a dog named Chopin, and he quotes Thoreau at dinner parties. He also happens to have a brilliant football mind. When Arne is hired as head coach of the McGill Redmen, he is certain he can transform a habitually mediocre university football team into national champions. At least, that’s what he expects. Instead, his uncompromising attitude and brutal workouts draw flak from players and colleagues alike. Alumni are critical of his personnel decisions. His coaching staff is riddled with personality conflicts. His underperforming team is mired in dissension. And as Arne’s personal life becomes strangely entwined with his football one, it begins to look more and more like the game he loves will lead to his undoing.