Competitiveness. Leadership. Inclusiveness. Discipline. Dedication to community. Together, these traits form the blueprint for teams that not only win, but transcend sport and develop a purpose to keep on winning for the good of the communities that surround and support them. Alberta's reputation in Canadian football was built upon this foundation.

Through countless hours of intimate interviews and heartfelt discussions with former coaches, players, and their families, author Ron McIntyre highlights the ways in which these traits manifested themselves in five of the best football programs in the province's history: the St. Francis Browns, the Raymond Comets, the Edmonton Huskies, the Calgary Dinos, and the Edmonton Eskimos.

With humour and a clear love of the game guiding his exploration of what made these teams so great, McIntyre reveals to coaches the key principles that contribute to building a solid program; demonstrates to players the nuances of being a good teammate and leading by example; and grants fans a peek behind the curtain at what ultimately goes into achieving true sports excellence.