Tyler James '11 never thought that he would write a book, especially within two years of graduating.
"I didn't even have a full time job yet after graduation. I was just doing part time stuff," James said. "Being a sports writer, you think it's a cool idea [to write a book]. I certainly didn't expect that I would be doing this so soon after graduation."
The book, which is titled "The Monon Bell Rivalry: Classic Clashes of DePauw vs. Wabash," was released at the end of October. James said the book is about "the history and passion behind the rivalry," and it details the history of the Monon Bell Classic game, personal anecdotes and the shenanigans surrounding the tradition, such as stealing the bell.
It can be purchased at Eli's Bookstore, as well as online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
James will be returning to campus for this year's game, and a book signing will be held at Eli's Bookstore from 10 to 11:30 a.m. before the game on Saturday.
Brittain Phillips '03, chief operating officer for The History Press, which published the book, had the idea of doing the book as part of a sports rivalry series.
"I realized that we needed a Monon Bell project," Phillips wrote in an email. "One of our acquisitions editors asked if I could help find an author, and for suggestions I turned to Professor Greg Schwipps."
Schwipps '95, an English professor, had both James and Phillips as students. He immediately thought that James would be a good fit.
"It seems like it really worked out," Schwipps said. "I was happy to be able to help both of them out."
Phillips thought that the book was important for DePauw and Wabash fans alike.
"The Monon Bell rivalry is a touchstone for generations of DePauw and Wabash students and alumni," Phillips said. "The book is a celebration of an experience that continues to resonate with members of those communities long after they leave Greencastle and Crawfordsville."
James said that the most interesting thing about writing the book was talking to people from the Wabash side of the rivalry.
"When I would call them, I usually wouldn't tell them I was a DePauw grad, unless they'd ask," James said.
Instead, he would normally introduce himself as someone who simply wanted to write a book on the rivalry.
"I didn't want them to hang up on me right away," James said.
James said he enjoyed hearing their side of the tradition, which sometimes differs from the way DePauw tells the story.
"I'm proud of the fact that a DePauw guy wrote that book," Schwipps, also a DePauw graduate, said. "Instead of a damn Wabash guy."