Between the White Lines: Coach W.T. Johnston's Determined Pursuit of Ultimate Victory

by Dave Burchett

Winning the state championship in football-crazed Texas is the holy grail for high school coaches. Newton, Texas, is a sleepy little town nestled in the piney woods of southeastern Texas where the residents live for what they lovingly call "Friday night church."

In December 2018 a video of the Newton Eagle coach went viral on sports and non-sports platforms as millions of people watched. In his emotional postgame interview, W.T. Johnston recounted how he had been given only a few months to live. But during his long coaching career, every one of his teams heard the same message. "I told them I was going to teach them football, but I was going to teach them something more important. How to live until you die."

This is the story of a remarkable coach and the miracle that allowed him to pursue championship dreams. Between the White Lines is a story of courage, faith, and community that will inspire and challenge you.

188 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2019

About the author

Dave Burchett is a successful television sports director with experiences that include the Olympic Games as well as professional and collegiate sports. Dave has directed television coverage of Texas Rangers baseball for over thirty years, earning a national Emmy and two local Emmy’s throughout his career. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring ‘Em Back Alive. Dave has developed a speaking ministry as well as regularly blogs at DaveBurchett.com. Dave is married and has three grown sons, several grandchildren and another rescued Lab.

Reviews

[Lona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written by a high school friend, was an effective antidote to the last book I read. It renews your faith in humanity and in faith. Even if your faith doesn't match WT Johnston's, you will admire how he lived out his life.

[Richard Fogleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

Great story that shares the strength of coach Johnson and lets one see the power of true faith. Very beautifully written.

[Drew Maulsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

W.T. was a phenomenal coach but an even better leader of men. What a tremendous testimony and a great job by the author sharing this story.

[Darralyn Briskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, easy read & inspiring. I don't think anyone would consider it a literary masterpiece but it keeps you in the moment of the story. You can't help but connect with everyone in this true story of a man that touched the lives of so many. Men & women alike will enjoy this story.

[Robert Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this well written book about a strong and courageous high school football coach. W.T. Johnston showed himself an example to me and every reader as a faithful steward of what was given him in the face of severe adversity. Burchett tells Johnston’s story in narrative, but I took note that much of what was written was done in Johnston’s own words. This book is not only a biography and a book about football, but a book rich in sound principles to live by. W.T. Johnston’s journey and those influential people in his life demonstrated commitment to family and community, and those entrusted to your care. Most remarkable is W.T. Johnston’s faith. I encourage all my friends to read this inspiring account and if you like football you will enjoy reading about the challenges, disappointments and triumphs of the game as experienced by the Newton Eagles and coaches. In reading find the peace W.T. found between the white lines; it is given in his own words at the end of the book but expressed throughout…

Here is a word about race from Johnston for his fully integrated team: “I tell the kids that there is no place for prejudice between the white lines or outside them. I have seen white people who are prejudiced. I have seen black people who are prejudiced. Here is what I tell them: ‘Don’t have anything to do with any of them if they are dividing people by color.’”

This is a quote from W.T. that I want to remember as I start each day: “Live until you die”; sounds simple but just think on it…

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome reflection

This is an awesome reflection of the inspiration of of Coach Johnston's life. It is a testimony of the people and community of our small texas town and our love of our kids and the desire to see them succeed. It is a look into an ordinary person making an extraordinary difference. God is great all the time. Amen

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Burchett delivered an extremely captivating story with a loving, personal tone, and exquisite detail of a great man’s life and testimony. Not only is Mr. Johnston shared with us, but the legacy and values of the Newton program have been shared to the rest of us to cheer for moving forward.

[Mark W. Stemmermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

An amazing story. This book walks you through a life dedicated to the youth of a school and our lord Jesus.