Peter Tormey is a writer, editor, and educator who holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. A former journalist for United Press International, he has won numerous awards for his news and feature stories. Peter's doctoral dissertation examined the language and leadership of former University of Washington football Coach Don James. Peter played football for Coach James for four years at Washington, and earned a bachelor's degree in English literature.
A first-generation Irish-American, Peter directs the Gonzaga University News Service, which he started more than 20 years ago. Peter is an avid cyclist and loves to fish the lakes, rivers, and streams of the Pacific Northwest. He and his wife live in Spokane with their two daughters, a son, and a dog.
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Two days before Christmas 1974, Don James seized the reins of a University of Washington football program in disarray. Immediately, James challenged players to do the hard work necessary to get to the Rose Bowl. Some players laughed, reminding James that Washington hadn't been to the Rose Bowl since 1963. James insisted on his vision. In his third season, Washington advanced to the Rose Bowl and beat the heavily favored Michigan Wolverines.
In 18 years at Washington, James' compelling stories in his pregame speeches helped transform the Huskies from mediocrity to national champions. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame and twice named National Coach of the Year, James remains the most successful football coach in Washington and the Pacific-12 Conference history. Now, the inspiring stories and invaluable life lessons James imparted to his players are available to all in The Thursday Speeches.
