Welcome to
author Joe Rapczynski's online store
Joe Rapczynski is a hall of fame basketball coach and acclaimed author. His first book The Junior Varsity Team Is Playing was nominated for induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame and his new, second book Onward contains lessons in coaching and inspiration acquired over 40 years in coaching and education.
THE JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM IS PLAYING
A coming-of-age story of challenge and triumph that would change some young men forever
Nominated for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
NOW IN ITS SECOND PRINTING!
BUY THE BOOK TODAY
Buy the book today at Barnes and Noble.com: click here!
Or, contact Joe Rapczynski at JVTeamIsPlaying@gmail.com
for a signed copy at $19.99 each
Author Joe Rapczynski is available for book signings, group discussions and other gatherings. Call 610-639-0297 for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My Story
Joe Rapczynski is a basketball lifer. He was fortunate to learn and play the game in the streets and playgrounds of row home Philadelphia, youth groups, North Catholic High School, and LaSalle University. Following his playing career he became a coach for 40 years at the boys high school level, D-I women's level, D-III Men's level, and professional minor-league men's level.
Joe was a full scholarship player at LaSalle College, earning the teams Most Dedicated Player Award as well as the Unsung Hero Award. He was named Coach-Of-The-Year seven times and is a member of four Halls of Fame.
In 1968 Joe was the only player to be a member of both the junior varsity and varsity basketball teams for North Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pa. That year the varsity was suspended for disciplinary reasons from the first round of the playoffs held in the famous University of Penn Palestra. The JV team took their place and, in a stunning upset, defeated the Bishop McDevitt High School varsity from Wyncotte, Pa. The game became national news for the actions taken by the varsity coach and for the result of the game. Joe was a perfect narrator for the events with the JV and varsity teams
However, there is an untold, inside story that has never been revealed about this experience until now. This memoir unlocks the inside story of the stunning JV victory and the varsity teams representing North Catholic and Bishop McDevitt. It is a fascinating story that has relevance for people of all backgrounds and walks-of-life.