Longtime basketball coach shares the funny side of life in new book

“Life’s STILL A Joke” recounts funny moments from Jack Fertig’s 30-plus years as a basketball coach. COURTESY OF AMAZON

Jack Fertig has returned with a sequel to “Life’s A Joke.”

In his latest book, “Life’s STILL A Joke,” Fertig shares observations, opinions and funny stories from his 35-year career as a basketball coach at both the collegiate and high school levels.

“There were a couple reasons behind motivation for this book,” Fertig says in the introduction. “One was the popularity of my first effort, ‘Life’s A Joke.’ For years afterward I’d run into people who told me how funny they thought it was and wondered when I was going to write another one. The other reason had to do with the number of stories I realized I had forgotten to put in the original publication, plus the additional anecdotes that had occured since it was published in 2001.”

The former Buchanan High School teacher and coach credits his keen observation skills in helping him recall the countless stories he shares in his new book.

“Those additional anecdotes are similar to the experiences that happen to everyone if a person is the least bit observant – and can see the amusing side of what’s going on,” added Fertig, who served as Fresno State’s director of basketball operations under Jerry Tarkanian.

The book features stories that include some of the biggest names in basketball including Pat Riley, Doc Rivers, Bob Knight, Michael Jordan and of course, Tarkanian.

“Tark,” as the hall of famer is referred to in the basketball world, has his own section in the book because “he deserves an entire section,” reads a subheading in parentheses on page 22.

Fertig also provides in-depth commentary on his encounters with administrator, doctors, high school parents and other issues that came up both on and off the basketball court.

“Life’s STILL A Joke” is available for purchase on Amazon and at Fertig’s book signing event this Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Riley’s Brew Pub from 5-8 p.m.

A native of Woodlake, Daniel Leon is a recent graduate of Fresno State with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. Daniel served as Sports Editor at The Collegian, Fresno State’s student-run newspaper, prior to joining the Roundup. Got a story idea? Email him at editor@clovisroundup.com