George Varnell

Much of what I was able to learn about the 1936 University of Washington crew team came to me through the detailed and vibrant reportage of two outstanding sports writers-Royal Brougham and George Varnell. What many readers of The Boys in the Boat may not realize is that both men lived extraordinarily interesting lives. In this well-researched and compelling biography, Jeff Burlingame does a marvelous job of unveiling the rich and intriguing tapestry of George Varnell's life. -Daniel James Brown, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Boys in the Boat George Varnell lived the kind of century-filling life that almost sounds like it's made up: star athlete, Olympian, coach, sports writer, editor, and Seattle journalism legend. Jeff Burlingame does an excellent job of putting that life into the historical context of the times. With detailed research and skilled writing, Burlingame has crafted a compelling book I couldn't put down. - Charles R. Cross, New York Times bestselling author of Heavier Than Heaven George Varnell stood with the tallest of American football giants. The story of his playing for Amos Alonzo Stagg at Chicago, then becoming a sportswriter and leading football official-handling a record eight Rose Bowls-is nicely captured by Jeff Burlingame. This deeply researched book relays the facts about Varnell while imparting the essence of the man, particularly his love of sports and sportsmen. -Timothy P. Brown, author of How Football Became Football: 150 Years of the Game's Evolution From football star, Olympic athlete, and multi-sport coach, George Varnell became one of the nation's foremost authorities on college football as he devoted almost half a century to dual careers as a sports editor and record-setting West Coast football referee. This thoroughly researched, comprehensive, very readable account has it all-and details of his personal life, as well. -Jim Price, Pacific Northwest sports historian Rowing is the quintessential team sport and for decades at the University of Washington that team included George Varnell. Jeff Burlingame has wonderfully captured the energy and spirit of a man who defined our community and did as much for the sport through his writing as anyone. -Eric Cohen, University of Washington Rowing historian