Thomas Fuller | Redefining the Underdog: A Story of Deafness, Dedication, and Championship Dreams

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Part of the 2026 Chippewa Valley Book Festival!

In the span of a few months, the football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside went from perennial underdog to contenders for the Southern California league championships. Thomas Fuller followed the team during this transformation and was captivated by the way that players and coaches used their deafness as an advantage on the gridiron. The success of the team not only raised questions about the meaning of disability, but put a spotlight on a great American underdog story.

Moderated by Matthew Mabis, author of volumes 01 and 02 of “Letters to Matt LaFleur”. Special thanks to the Access Eau Claire Fund for supporting this program.

About the Author

THOMAS FULLER is a Page One Correspondent for The New York Times and author of The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory. The book was chosen by Amazon as the Best Book of 2024. He has reported from more than forty countries for The Times and International Herald Tribune in Asia, Europe and across the United States.

Disclaimer(s)

If you need a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations, please notify Information & Reference (715-839-5004, [email protected]) at least 48 hours before the program.