Restore the Rock takes readers on an inspiring journey to rebuild a once-proud high school football program in Vernon, Connecticut. When Erick Knickerbocker was named head coach at Rockville High School, he inherited a program in disarray: fifteen consecutive losing seasons, a 27-107 record, and five different head coaches from 2005 to 2017. Knickerbocker took the job with zero seasons of head coaching experience and was tasked with leading a team that had become accustomed to losing. But with the support of his mentors, a deep belief in the power of change, and a vision that looked to the past to guide the future, he set out to restore Rockville football to its former glory.

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At the heart of the book is the team’s vision that transformed the Rams football program. Knickerbocker and his team’s 'Restore the Rock' mission was grounded in history, tradition, player-led leadership, and relationship-building which will be explored throughout the book. Knickerbocker details the steps taken to turn a struggling team into a source of pride for the school and community.

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Restore the Rock is a unique read because it is both a practical guide to building culture but also a story of how the actual rebuild took place. Some chapters focus on the coaching strategies, leadership principles, and culture-building tools that a leader can use to build or rebuild their culture. Other chapters put you directly into the story of the rebuild. You will meet the players, relive the major games, and experience the defining moments of the Restore the Rock movement. The book blends real-life experiences with actionable insights and proven strategies for developing leadership and making meaningful change. Whether you're a coach, administrator, educator, business leader, or anyone striving to make a positive impact, this book will inspire you to lead with purpose and to lead through adversity.