Peter Clenott

Sudden Death, Overtime depicts the true account of a young farm boy, Dennis Courneya, who grew up in rural Minnesota. As one of six children in the family, he learned to value the bounty and beauty of Minnesota's "lake country". He also was inspired by the respect for family and the values of rural life. The reader becomes a vicarious participant in the hometown celebrations as well as a student in a country school. The mini-stories within the early chapters demonstrate how values of self-determination, responsibility, and respect are established..."Did we feel deprived? Being poor is just a state of mind. We had a home, land, food, family, values, and abundant love. We were the richest people in the world." Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Vietnam War. As a soldier experiencing firsthand the tragedies of war, his appreciation of life and honor became greatly enhanced. The reader is introduced to the emotions of a typical Vietnam War veteran: "Was the war wrong? Who am I to say? Perhaps we should ask the families of the 55,000 who came home to their loved ones in a pine box...Maybe we should ask the veterans what it felt like to be called 'losers' or 'failures' by the welcoming public. These are the tragic consequences of war." We learn that the veterans are the "true nobility" of war. Following the war, Dennis became even more determined to "make a difference." His journey takes him to a rural community in Minnesota - a community dominated by ultra conservatism and stringent religious doctrine. It was in the small town of Hancock that he attained a position as a teacher and coach. As a teacher, he does not just "teach from the book", but also from the "heart"... "I was an integral part of the most honorable profession - teaching. I wouldn't trade one moment for all the money or fame in the world. I gave my heart and soul to education...to the future. I have no regrets. I wonder how many others can say the same? I am, and always will be, a teacher." It is in his capacity as a coach of multiple sports that he leads his teams to nearly 40 championship titles. The reader will come to know Dennis Courneya as a motivator and a "believer in dreams"... "Giving 100% is not a choice." Dennis's love of athletics and his admiration for those who "went the extra mile" exemplify why his teams were so successful. We also come to know the burden of success..."I would always take a deep breath before walking into the gym and I would say to myself, 'It's time to please them all again'." We also become aware of the turmoil that lies ahead for Dennis Courneya, "Teacher and Coach of the Year." Beginning in 1997, Dennis Courneya becomes immersed in the legal battle of his life. The reader will be as bewildered as he when the accusations of sexual misconduct surface. How does one progress from esteemed teacher and coach to one that is accused of the "unthinkable"? As Dennis enters a realm that he has never entered before - the legal arena - he quickly discovers that the concept of Sudden Death, Overtime is all too real...the clock is ticking. As he strives to withstand the horrific accusations that mount greater every day, he is also faced with the destruction of his personal and professional life..."No one ever said life was fair..." The reader is cast into the role of the 13th Juror. We become witnesses to one of the most controversial trials in Minnesota....a trial in which we become acquainted with the accusers, the religious community, the school system, the investigators, the legal system. The reader will be aghast at the integrity and honor of the legal process. Are we, indeed, "Innocent until proven guilty?" Does moral