Book Description

Caledonia High School has the longest current winning streak in the nation, but it wasn't always that way. Learn how a change in football culture transformed a team, school, and community. The book, Rise of the Warriors, follows the journey of culture changes that occurred in the Caledonia Warriors football program from the 1980s until present day. A positive shift in the program culture transformed a small, southeastern Minnesota community. This high school football team has won 5 consecutive state championships with a 68-game winning streak. But it's more than that. Over time, the Caledonia football program has developed high-caliber qualities that are present in all great teams, which has translated to success on-and-off of the field. Two United States Navy SEALs, a pair of NFL football players, and two championship prep high school coaches played football for Caledonia High School. Dozens of other former athletes are difference-makers in their respective fields and in life. This book gives one-of-a-kind insight from alumni and others who have witnessed the transformational coaching of current Caledonia head football coach, Carl Fruechte. Rise of the Warriors provides a powerful, thought-provoking perspective about how teams can win not only on the field but also in business and in life with practical advice. Whether you are a football coach, a football fan, a business leader, or a parent- the principles of this book can be applied to any area of your life. The first part of this book is a history of the Caledonia football program and the culture change that occurred. The program went from winning one playoff game in 15 years to the longest current winning streak in the nation and 10 state titles in the last 14 years. Part two of the book focuses on attributes that are present in all great teams, but Mark Esch specifically relates these attributes to Caledonia football. However, these attributes can be applied to any area of life. About the author: Mark Esch is a 1995 graduate of Caledonia High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with a coaching emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Mark received his master's degree from the University of South Dakota in Exercise Science. He has coached football for 18 years, including 11 seasons as head football coach at Mankato West High School in Minnesota. The West football program won two state championships during his tenure. Mark, his wife, and their three children live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.