Jim Aziere represents a contrast to the elite authors featured in Authors’ Lounge. As a dyslectic student reading at the Fourth Grade level and a score of 14 on the ACT when he entered college, Aziere managed to graduate in eight semesters and went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Kansas. University as a Graduate Assistant Coach on the Track Team. His historical memoir features a Catholic military academy in the Black ghetto of Kansas City. Aziere’s book is a beautiful piece that screams nostalgia. Every account is written with much honesty and rawness; it did not sugarcoat the flaws nor the faults of the characters. It’s a straightforward read that takes us back to life in the Age of Rock and Roll, and on through the social crises of counterculture. The harshness of the violent neighborhood with the element of strict discipline and character development of the characters in this story are far beyond the imagination of the youth a half-century later.
His manuscript introduces the reader to the large number of high-profile individuals in this narrative, consisting of professional athletes, military heroes, and national political figures, including President Harry Truman, who highlight the uniqueness of the events that take place. The struggle for civil rights, the presence of the mafia, and the emergence of the acid culture. It’s a story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
The value of Sixteenth Street rises above the height of this remarkable story and Aziere’s skill in creating the voice of the main character, first a student, and then as a teacher and coach. Readers experience his crushing disappointments, ultimate defeats, sense of shame, and humility that serves as a spark of vitality that develops slowly over time and helps him become a legend in the future.
Aziere’s story doesn’t end with the last chapter, but the afterward. In a twist of fate that could only be described as prophetic, this high school physical education teacher with a passion for American history found himself immersed in a world he had never envisioned — the competitive waters of swimming. Though he had never witnessed a swim meet before stepping onto the pool deck as a coach, his natural leadership, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to his students propelled him to remarkable heights. Balancing lessons on the intricacies of the American Revolution with the relentless rhythms of early morning practices, he transformed a fledgling team into a powerhouse. His insights and unconventional methods caught the attention of the sport’s elite, earning him the unprecedented honor of becoming the first high school coach invited to speak at the prestigious ASCA World Swim Coaches Clinic in Las Vegas. Yet his influence did not stop there. From 1983 to 2003, his words flowed as steadily as the currents his swimmers battled, penning the longest-running publication in the history of United States Swimming — a chronicle of knowledge, passion, and the belief that greatness could emerge from the most unexpected places. Aziere then went on to earn national recognition in the classroom. He was invited to present the course he wrote, Law In A Free Society, at the National Social Studies Conference in Chicago.
After 35 years of teaching, Aziere retired from the classroom in 2000. Throughout his career, he turned down numerous opportunities for higher-paying jobs, choosing instead to remain dedicated to his community. His commitment has been reflected in his continuous service, having been re-elected for 26 years on the Board of Aldermen. After 60 years of professional coaching, he continues to lead the Boys Swim Team leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes.
