As coach of men’s basketball at Transylvania University from 1975 to 2001, Lane made history as the Pioneer’s winningest coach and the first to lead them to a No. 1 national ranking. He also taught exercise science and physical education at Transylvania for 41 years, mentored thousands of youth through the popular basketball camp he created, and received numerous awards in recognition of his achievements.

With co-author Sarah Jane Herbener, Lane traces the influences that led him from working in the tobacco fields of Woodford County to becoming the first in his family to graduate college to building a career that included being inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame.

“Faith was important in all the things I was doing,” Lane says, recalling how his parents taught him from a young age to treat others as he wanted to be treated. “I’ve nurtured that my whole life.”

Love of learning was also key to Lane’s success, and he takes care in the book to honor key people who inspired and encouraged him at critical junctures. One of these was his high school basketball coach James McAfee.

“He was a tremendous influence on my life,” Lane says of McAfee. “He would’ve done anything for me, and I would’ve done anything for him. A lot of my coaching style and how I treat people came from him.”

McAfee encouraged Lane to apply to Union College in Barbourville, where he received a 4-year scholarship from head coach Herman Bush.

“I'll never forget – in the letter (Bush) said, ‘I don't care if you play a minute. I think you'll be a great asset to our team,’ which is very special to me. I still have that letter,” Lane says.

Lane graduated in 1965, and his personal and professional life have been tied to Union ever since. He met the love of his life, Monna Williams, at Union, whom he went on to marry and raise two children with. He also got his first career experience when he served as assistant coach for the men's basketball team in his senior year.

When Lane signed copies of the book Saturday as part of Union’s homecoming weekend, it was a full-circle moment for him. 

“Union’s had an unbelievable impact on my life,” he says. “I think it’s important to give back as much as I possibly can.”

After graduating, Lane made a promise to himself to pay Union back for the scholarship money he had received. He’s since donated that much many times over and has served on Union’s board of trustees for over two decades.