Pischke Power

From Winnipeg's West End community of St. James to the highest levels of international volleyball, Garth Pischke made an indelible mark on the sport of volleyball. If we use a hockey comparison to which most Canadians can relate, Garth Pischke was the "Wayne Gretzky" of volleyball in his prime playing days. Another trait that makes Garth a true Canadian is his humility; he's reluctant to tell his own story. So Christopher Johns decided to tell Garth's story, drawing on his own memories as a volleyball reporter at The Manitoban in his university days. Garth had many wins and losses over the years and we see his volleyball life unfold through interviews with the man himself over the course of a decade. Other Canadian players and coaches share their thoughts and memories about Garth, helping to bring the story of one of Canada's best athletes and coaches to light. In 2016, Garth became the head coach with the most victories in men's volleyball in North America, passing the legendary Al Scates of UCLA. Garth's win total is now 1,300 and counting and he too is approaching legendary status. His coaching career at the University of Manitoba spans more than 35 years and clearly there are more chapters to be written. This book takes the reader on a journey, as Garth progressed from teenage sensation at the 1976 Olympics to the National Team Coach twenty-four years later. He's back at the University of Manitoba where his winning ways continue today. The phrase "Pischke Power" stems from Garth's high school volleyball career and it seems fitting for the influence he has had for close to 40 years on the sport of volleyball in Canada.