Ottumwa --- A pair of former Indian Hills Community College baseball players have written a book about legendary IHCC coach Pat Daugherty.

Titled, "Community Treasure," the book was written by Phil Janssen and Jerry Tapp, two Wisconsin natives who each played for Daugherty on the Centerville campus in the mid-1970s.  Janssen lives in Neenah, Wisconsin and Tapp resides in Racine, Wisconsin.

The book is an inside look at how the baseball program rose to prominence at Indian Hills, then known as Centerville Junior College.  There are chapters about the town of Centerville and the college, but the bulk of the book centers around memories from a myriad of people.  Coach Daugherty recalls the early days of the program and discusses, with former IHCC President Lyle Hellyer, how he was chosen for the baseball coaching position.

There are numerous stories offered by former players, including Duane Kuiper, Eric Rasmussen and Shane Rawley, three of Daugherty's players who went on to play in the major leagues.  There are also memories of the early days of the baseball program from those close to Daugherty, including his daughter Peggy.

Janssen and Tapp have started a "Go Fund Me" page to cover the cost of self-publishing the book.  Those interested in contributing can go directly to the Go Fund Me website and search for "Pat Daugherty book," or they can reach the site via the link https://www.gofundme.com/pat-daugherty-book.  Those who contribute $50 or more will receive a free copy of the book.  The deadline for donations is Sept. 15.

"Phil was a catalyst in getting this book started probably five years ago or more," noted Tapp.  "I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this project and reading the great stories about the baseball program and Coach Daugherty.  I think anyone who knew Coach, the baseball program, the school or community will enjoy this book.  The stories are all told from the people involved which really makes it a very personal book.  Heck, I'm sure there are many more stories that need to be told that are not in the book; maybe that will be the sequel."