Coach and Player

During Albom's college years, he began calling Schwartz "coach," the same nickname he used for his high school track coach. Schwartz decides he likes the name and replies that Albom can be his player, playing "all the lovely parts of life that I'm too old for now (pg. 31)." This is exactly how the relationship progresses. During Albom's college years, Schwartz teaches or coaches Albom through studies on subjects Albom never knew existed. He teaches Albom about sociology scholars and the study of life. Albom is an open receptacle, and Schwartz fills his mind with new thoughts and ideas.

Schwartz also coaches Albom through an honors thesis. Interestingly, the subject is sports, a subject decided upon long after the player/coach nicknames are instituted. Even more interesting is the fact that years later, long after his "coach" has disappeared from his life, Albom makes a career out...