TOPEKA, Kan. (GVP) — Blending his storytelling and athleticism, Kansas novelist and Masters All-American Grant Overstake stepped out of the pages of his books and into the shot put ring at the Kansas Senior Games. The Hummer Sports Complex was the setting for his creative and competitive spirit to come full circle, illustrating the enduring influence of sports on the storyteller-athlete.

In the shot put ring, Overstake channeled a fictional character by the name of TJ Crowley. Set in the racially charged year of 1968 in Wichita, "The Real Education of TJ Crowley" follows the journey of the young protagonist, who finds himself in the shot put ring. Based on true events and the author’s own experiences, the story captures a generation of teens growing up in a time of radical change.

Amidst the societal upheaval of the Vietnam War and civil rights protests, and with plenty of trouble at home and at school, the volatile and resilient TJ finds purpose in the shot put under the mentorship of his new neighbor, Dr. Washington, himself a former athlete.

Shot put is a challenging event that demands a combination of strength, technique, and mental focus. Athletes are drawn to it for various reasons, including the opportunity to showcase raw power, precision, and mental resilience. In the novel, Dr. Washington “prescribes” the event for his young neighbor as a outlet for his explosive temperament. As he hones his shot put skills, TJ also grapples with his inherited prejudices and misconceptions, leading to a profound racial awakening.

Overstake's own connection to shot put, as a former decathlete for the University of Kansas, adds an authentic layer to his storytelling. He learned to channel his explosive energy into precise throws from the late legendary Coach Bob Timmons.

“Coach Timmons was a father figure and coach to me and many others, and I cherished every moment he spent coaching me at the shot put ring,” said Overstake, who wrote a tribute on his passing. “Coach Timmons changed my life. I wanted to channel that same type of relationship in my story, between TJ Crowley and Dr. Washington.”

The couple’s shared passion for track and field began in high school, and they became the first couple to compete together for the Jayhawk track teams. They continued to shine on national and regional podiums as masters, earning the "Couples Spirit Award" for their dual decathlon performances in the 2020 World Athletics Virtual Championships.

As Overstake continues to bridge the gap between sports and literature, his work caught the attention of Olympic shot put champion and world record holder, Ryan Crouser, who confirmed that "The Real Education of TJ Crowley" is next on his reading list. This intersection of sports, literature, and real-life champions encapsulates Overstake's unique contribution to the world of sports-themed novels.

To be released on June 11, 2024 by Blackstone, an audio dramatization of the novel, featuring 15 award-winning actors, will be released as a fast-paced, suspenseful coming-of-age story for listeners aged 12 to adults. The adaptation was co-created, directed and produced by the author and acclaimed audiobook director/producer May Wuthrich. 

Overstake's previous novel, "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon," was hailed as one of the best Track and Field stories ever told by CITIUS MAG. With "The Real Education of TJ Crowley," he continues to weave sports into compelling narratives of personal growth and societal change. His works are available at bookstores and online platforms worldwide, including Amazon.com.